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

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ligatures
  1. handcuffs
  2. links
  3. chains
  4. bonds
  5. bracelets
  6. ties
  7. cuffs
  8. cords
Noun
  • But a DeKalb County officer recently had his firearm in one hand and handcuffs in the other while trying to arrest a teenager who was on the ground with his hands behind his back.
    — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • The 18-year-old was sent to Adelanto ICE Detention Center in handcuffs, nearly 100 miles away from his worried family members.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • When news broke that US Air Force engineer Jeffrey Sovern had been charged in connection to the destruction of 13 Flock devices, redditors flooded the post with praise, sharing links to his legal defense fund and encouraging others to donate.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 July 2026
  • The network is proliferated, with thousands of satellites interconnected using laser communications links and numerous ground stations to connect the constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO) with the terrestrial Internet.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
Definition of links
Noun
  • Supply chains evolve Unlike consumer electronics, automotive components must meet strict qualification standards while remaining available over extended production cycles.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
  • Paramount argued that Amazon MGM, or other distributors like A24 or Lionsgate, could increase production levels if Paramount cut its output, undercutting any pricing power that Paramount might have over theater chains.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • Torsten Slok, chief economists at Apollo Global, pointed out in a note on Wednesday hyperscalers’ cover ratio—investor orders per every dollar of bonds—has plunged.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 July 2026
  • Financial planners routinely advise most retirement savers to focus on two asset classes, stocks and bonds.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • Queen Camilla kept the other elements of her look neutral, sporting a pair of taupe pumps and accessorizing with her signature Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets and a pair of pearl-and-diamond earrings.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
  • Mix and match necklaces, bracelets, charms, huggies and studs to create your perfect stack.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • Both sections will focus on highlighting artists with ties to the Caribbean.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 July 2026
  • The brand has also slowly expanded its offering to include leather totes, clutches and ties, as well as unisex jewelry.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • Hathaway’s jewelry consisted of a silver set of cuffs and coordinating silver studs in the shape of snakes with emerald eyes.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
  • Exceptions to the all-white requirements include players being allowed to have a single trim of color on their uniform’s neckline, sleeve cuffs or accessories, if not wider than one centimeter.
    — Mariah Alanskas, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of cuffs
Noun
  • Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • The larger case easily stows a Kindle or iPad Mini, power bank, digital camera, earbuds, and more; the smaller one stashes cords and adapters.
    — Morgan Ashley Parker, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026
Definition of cords

Browse Nearby Words

ligature
ligatures
light
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ligatures

Nglish: Translation of ligatures for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dog days

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All