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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
  • Paden’s father, Jim Paden, wiped away tears with a handkerchief at the sight of his son in handcuffs and clad in an orange jail garb.
    — Glenn Rice, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The Democrats wrote in a summary of the allegations that immigrants sleep while restrained with handcuffs, leg irons and belly chains, and even elderly people have been chained for 16 hours a day.
    — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • Turkey, for its part, has long been pressing Iraq to curb groups with links to the PKK and other non-state armed groups from operating in Sinjar.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Huawei's latest SuperPoD computing architecture links far fewer processors than originally planned, and each chip still delivers roughly half the compute of Nvidia's.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of links
Noun
  • Newer chains like Raising Cane’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Wingstop focused on chicken tenders and sauces, making KFC’s buckets of bone-in chicken look out of date.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The segment includes chains like The Capital Grille and Ruth's Chris.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • Researchers think this happens because swapping stories about social bonds, unexpected dangers and survival are advantageous for our evolution.
    — Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
  • As the estimate draws a mix of scrutiny and praise from always-skeptical aldermen, many of whom criticized Johnson last year for using bonds to pay for the $90 million global settlement tied to corrupt former Sgt.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • There was a real focus on design, from oversized ovals and circles to unconventional case shapes and highly articulated bracelets, with bold color coming from a wide range of hard stones.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Her bracelets have since reached all 50 states and more than 50 countries.
    — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • In 2017, a dozen Muslim-majority countries severed ties with the emirate, accusing it of sponsoring terror and fomenting chaos around the world.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Wake Forest ties it up Wake Forest responds with a touchdown of its own.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • The movement’s tiny footprint became a catalyst for experimentation, giving Blancpain’s designers unusual freedom, resulting in Ladybird watches concealed within bracelets, cuffs, rings, and pendants.
    — Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Hoops, versatile dual sided earrings, drop styles and ear cuffs take your look to the next level with a beautiful necklace and serpent cuff bracelet to add the finishing touches.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of cuffs
Noun
  • Crew members with a seemingly unending supply of keys transported various cords and cables.
    — Sarah Shanfield, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Cat-proof cords and give chew toys instead Some cats love to chomp on power cords.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of cords

Browse Nearby Words

ligature
ligatures
light
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Cite this Entry

“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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