ligatures

noun

plural of ligature
1
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

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2
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
  1. handcuffs
  2. links
  3. chains
  4. bonds
  5. bracelets
  6. ties
  7. cuffs
  8. cords
Noun
  • Gaeta was escorted in handcuffs out of the courtroom after being given the maximum sentence allowed by law.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a distressing shot of a sleeping bag next to a pair of handcuffs.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • The latest paper, however, suggests those links could even extend into the microbiome.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Aparicio is not hard on Adela for this deafness, perhaps because there are so many links between the character and the director’s own history.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of links
Noun
  • American eating habits are shifting toward high-protein options, prompting major fast-food chains to reimagine traditional morning foods to meet growing consumer demand for functional nutrition.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Other chains found that promotions did little to offset pressure on lower-income consumers.
    — Savyata Mishra, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • Israel Bonds function as general obligation bonds used by Israel where needed most.
    — Dr. Andrew M. Hutter, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • On Thursday, an auction of 30-year bonds ended with the highest yield since 2001.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • Investigators reported that Dogan approached a woman and offered to buy two bracelets worth thousands of dollars before allegedly taking them.
    — Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Keeping the outfit simple for her lax vacation, Berry paired the dress with gold jewelry—including bangle bracelets and huggie earrings.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • None less than Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay after Giggs scored a goal in extra time to settle one of the greatest cup ties ever.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, both Breakker and Rhodes are listed with Atlanta ties, bringing a local flavor to the event.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • Ribbed trim around the neckline, sleeve cuffs, and hem elevates the look.
    — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This sweater has thin stripes and a contrast trim at the collar, cuffs, hem, and patch pocket.
    — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of cuffs
Noun
  • There's no need for batteries, cords or plugs, meaning using them outside is super streamlined and not at all technical.
    — Grace Dean, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Michael, who would later split from his father’s control, accused him of severe childhood emotional and physical abuse, including beatings with iron cords.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of cords

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ligature
ligatures
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Cite this Entry

“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ligatures

Nglish: Translation of ligatures for Spanish Speakers

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