LIGATURES Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

ligatures

noun

plural of ligature

as in handcuffs

something that physically prevents free movement the surgeon tied a ligature around the tube to keep it in place

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in links

a uniting or binding force or influence a common language is often the ligature that unites the people of a nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ligatures After refining their word-swapping dictionary over three months, the ShieldFont creators ended up with a list of nearly 12,000 common words that can be replaced with ligatures. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026 Court records cited by the outlets state DNA recovered from ligatures used to bind Weaver was eventually linked through the FBI's Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, to Gaff, who had previously been convicted in a separate rape case. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ligatures

Noun

Federal authorities said he was arrested on Tuesday and distributed a photo of the man in handcuffs.

— Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
Officers were seen placing several people in handcuffs and taking them away after the shooting.

— Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of handcuffs

Noun

Around 12,000 people with Trinidad and Tobago origins live in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, while direct air links support business travel, tourism and family connections.

— Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Scientists are starting to uncover the links between being a night owl and some neuropsychiatric conditions.

— Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of links

Noun

Contract pharmacies grew from roughly 1,300 in 2010 to more than 31,000 by mid-2026, dominated by the largest chains.

— Casey B. Mulligan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Her income comes from contracts with national brands, including beverage companies, grocery and restaurant chains and sports companies.

— Anna Alejo, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of chains

Noun

As the fight wears on, money worries and the scrutiny of people around them chip away at the family’s income and its bonds.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The sharp selloff in bonds has given investors a rare opportunity to lock in stock-market-like returns without taking on the risk that comes with equities, investment advisors to the ultra-wealthy told CNBC.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of bonds

Noun

The jewelry brand, which specializes in demi-fine gold and bejeweled happy face charm bracelets, has seen triple-digit growth this season, according to Sophie Capel-Creasey, a jewelry buyer for Selfridges.

— Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Students at Independence Elementary School in Clarkston, Michigan, are spending their recesses and free time making bracelets, stickers and other items for a cause that is deeply personal to their school community.

— Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of bracelets

Noun

The sandals were finished with ornate gold-tone ankle cuffs with dangling bells.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
The officers walked over to the man and told him to place his hands behind his back, slapping him in cuffs in front of customers and coworkers.

— Kate Payne, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of cuffs

Noun

In the decades since, the piece has evolved to be made with leather cords instead—an alternative to the traditional stuffy tie—and worn by cowboys while riding.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
UCHealth recommends removing clutter and cords and keeping hallways well lit as simple starting points that don’t require any construction.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of cords

Browse Nearby Words

ligature

ligatures

light

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Style

“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ligatures

noun

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