as in bind
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 binds
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 hampers
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuffs
Noun
-
The commissioners’ 2024 decision to freeze property tax revenues left government departments in a bind this year, resulting in sweeping cuts to public services.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
17 July 2025 -
If landlords refuse, however, tenants are in a bind.—
Gabriel L. Schwartz,
The Conversation,
17 July 2025
Verb
-
This medication binds to and removes excess iron or copper from the body, helping prevent further liver damage in conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson disease.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Now the new study, led by UNM professor Brent Wagner, MD, has found a connection between gadolinium and oxalic acid, a molecule found in foods which binds with metal ions, leading to medical issues such as kidney stones.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Amazon’s past success with using Prime Day to drive sales and attract new members spurred other major retail chains to schedule competing sales in July.—
Anne D'Innocenzio,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
Its over-the-shoulder chain instantly elevates any outfit, and the bag's rainbow tweed look is sophisticated, polished, and flirty all at once.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Let go of whatever impedes your progress and growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
The Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2025
-
However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
He will not be released on bond prior to the sentencing.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
14 July 2025
-
Combined income is your adjusted gross income, plus nontaxable interest, such as interest on certain bonds, plus half of your Social Security benefits received that year.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The city aims to sweep every public street with a curb and a gutter at least once a month from February through October, picking up small pieces of litter and debris that can clog storm drains.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
-
In Santa Ana, officials said residents should leave trash carts on the curb, not on the street, until they’re picked up.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
12 July 2025
Noun
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After eight months imprisoned in shackles aboard six different ships, Platt managed to connect with a sympathetic attorney who asserted his right to habeas corpus and forced his release for trial.—
Time,
Time,
9 July 2025
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Privatization tends to yield significant cost savings and service improvements precisely because providers are not subject to the politicization and other shackles that typify monopolistic government provision of services.—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Handcuffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuffs. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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