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 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
  • The judge denied a request to unshackle him completely, saying that the handcuffs would be removed while Burke was at the table but that his legs would remain shackled under it.
    — Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
  • The court denied the request, though his handcuffs were removed.
    — Alex Stone, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • Leo spoke about his family’s historical links to the transatlantic slave trade on Wednesday in response to a reporter’s question about his American heritage.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Da Rin noted that longtime links between gangs and certain powerful elites in Haiti are still active.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of links
Noun
  • Peptides are short chains of amino acids and act as the building blocks of proteins in the body.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Chipotle Mexican Grill executives said consumers' mistrust of chains serving fresh lettuce weighed on sales in the second half of July.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • Trump has championed the construction of data centers for artificial intelligence, but the bonds financing those projects appear to have helped push up interest rates.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Research by the Washington University found that coworkers sharing personal information built stronger bonds and were more willing to respond to work needs, even when viewpoints differed.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • Moreover, with new and different form factors emerging, consumers have even more choices, ranging from rings and bracelets to glasses and watches.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Sánchez Bezos paired the low-cut swimwear with two diamond bracelets and oversized sunglasses.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 July 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • As California’s population grew, the trees were logged to provide wood for everything from fence posts to railroad ties to houses.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
  • The series of agreements aimed at establishing diplomatic ties between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • Zendaya mixed high jewelry from Chopard and Messika with sculptural gold pieces by Fope, along with ancient inspired accessories including headpieces, ear cuffs, diamond chokers and gladiator sandals.
    — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
  • The iron’s precision tip is perfectly shaped for removing wrinkles from hard-to-reach spots, like a shirt’s collar or cuffs.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Definition of cuffs
Noun
  • The device can fit in standard gallery frames and doesn’t require power or data cords.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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