as in bind
usually handcuffs plural
something that physically prevents free movement
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to bind
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handcuff
Leila Fadel, NPR, 24 June 2025
Videos of Lander struggling with the federal agents showed the agents perp walking him out of the facility in handcuffs while Lander shouted about warrants and due process.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
But an intake guard threw the ruling in the trash and Landor was handcuffed to a chair while his knee-length locks were forcibly shaved off.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
The livestream partially shows Guevara being led away in handcuffs and then placed in a law enforcement vehicle.
—Leila Fadel, NPR, 24 June 2025
Videos of Lander struggling with the federal agents showed the agents perp walking him out of the facility in handcuffs while Lander shouted about warrants and due process.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Verb
Three people have been convicted after officials say a 6-year-old boy was handcuffed when a dog attacked him last year in Ohio.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
But an intake guard threw the ruling in the trash and Landor was handcuffed to a chair while his knee-length locks were forcibly shaved off.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
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Other Republicans say the bill doesn’t go far enough to reduce spending and are pushing for deeper cuts, putting their party's leadership in a bind.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
-
Trump and his national security team find themselves in a bind.—
Jennifer Kavanagh,
Foreign Affairs,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Joining him was David Lipsky, who made a clutch eagle on the par-5 17th to tie Grillo and Campbell at 18-under, but a costly bogey on 18 kept him out of the playoff.—
Savannah Leigh Richardson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
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Given that the government generally does not do great things with its money, tying its spending priorities to debt service is probably a positive.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Verb
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This month she was indicted on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 June 2025
-
The indictment, announced earlier this month, accuses McIver of three counts: two felonies for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers—each carrying up to eight years in prison—and a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Noun
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In the latest twist, Shooter McGavin (the rival to Sandler’s Happy) gets to be the official spokesperson for the Happy Gilmore Meal, which is an actual offering going on sale at the chain later this summer.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
26 June 2025
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The chain also announced a new Chipotle Hash Brown Wake-Up Wrap is joining the menu.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Verb
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This extensive list of options ensures your absence doesn’t hinder your ability to accrue and use your FSA benefits, reflecting a broader understanding of how adaptable life situations and financial planning must be.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
2 July 2025
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The list, created following a Trump executive order, aimed to identify jurisdictions hindering federal immigration laws and potentially withhold their funding.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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At a hearing on Thursday, Hipolito walked into court, limping and shackled in the same clothes he had been arrested in.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
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Abrego Garcia, who was shackled and wearing a red jumpsuit, was expected to be released Wednesday, if only into ICE custody.—
Travis Loller,
Fortune,
26 June 2025
Verb
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SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.—
Uri Friedman,
The Atlantic,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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