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
Relevance
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
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
Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ligatures
Noun
-
Other facial recognition wrongful arrest cases Angela Lipps is not the first person to say facial recognition helped put them in handcuffs.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
-
Tucker’s rapid-fire delivery is punctuated with sound effects, music cues, and the use of a variety of props dangling from his person at all times (including handcuffs, a wad of cash, and two guns).—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
His remarks amplified on his long-running view that US clout is waning against China’s, a perspective that carries weight because of his experience in China with Bridgewater, the world’s largest hedge fund — experience that has brought some criticism over his links to leaders in Beijing.—
David Westin,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Addressing Canal+‘s investment in UGC, one of France’s top exhibition chains, Saada sought to downplay suggestions of an imminent takeover while leaving the door open to a future acquisition.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
18 May 2026
-
The drinks are also sold at smaller chains and independent stores, including Lazy Acres, Rainbow Acres and Happier Grocery in New York City.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
These bonds offer an interest rate that changes every six months based on the latest CPI data, maintaining returns above the level of inflation.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
Investors all over the world are selling bonds because of the inflation that the war has caused.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
This Bagsmart travel jewelry organizer has separate, dedicated pockets and compartments for your rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and folds up into a compact pouch for easy packing.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
The bracelets used by Wellstar and Piedmont Augusta have a QR (Quick Response) code that can be scanned with a smartphone or other digital device, giving medical staff access to a patient’s medical records.—
Roni Robbins,
AJC.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Last year, four different men from Chile were accused in a string of burglaries targeting multimillion-dollar homes in Ohio with possible ties to heists in Minnesota.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
But according to federal officials, the Punjabi Devils were an outlaw gang with ties to the Hells Angels, whose members often wore patches with an outline of Punjab, a region that includes northern India and central eastern Pakistan, and a turbaned skull.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Cassie’s OnlyFans journey begins with her making content posing as a dog, replete with dog ears, collar, leash, wrist cuffs, tail, and a satin corset from Sweeney’s lingerie line SYRN, bending over and lapping up water from a bowl on the ground.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 May 2026
-
This dress included floral embroidery around the collar, neckline, cuffs and running down the front placket of the design.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Check your power strips for signs of damage, like heat, loose outlets, or frayed cords, to ensure safety.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
16 May 2026
-
Damon Virgo, of Valparaiso, was weighed down by several cords representing various honors he’s earned, including chemistry, math, biology, leadership and his fraternity.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
