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 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
  • There’s nothing to commemorate the day federal agents chased Leodegario Martínez Barradas into the parking lot of a car dealership, placed him in handcuffs and led him away.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The suspect was successfully placed in handcuffs without any physical injury to the officers.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in February that his country would open an investigation that included a focus on possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rights groups, fishermen and their relatives have questioned the campaign, alleging vessels were targeted without sufficient evidence of links to trafficking.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of links
Noun
  • Unlike many major fast-food chains, In-N-Out does not freeze its beef patties or produce, KTLA reported.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Marmalade Cafe is joining the ranks of other California restaurant chains that have filed for bankruptcy this year.
    — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • The yield on French 10-year bonds was about 88 basis points above equivalent German yields, nearing the highest spread since Europe’s debt crisis in 2012.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The bonds of affection between Vance and Carlson are the very glue holding together the American experiment.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • While Pandora has long been known for its charm bracelets, beloved of millennials and Gen Zs of the past, the brand’s collaboration strategy aims to innovate.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Shop Official KPop Demon Hunters Jewelry The KPop Demon Hunters capsule collection includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets and keychains inspired by HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop singing trio in the film.
    — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • Every single judge in Centre County recused themselves ahead of Sandusky’s original trial because of ties to the university, The Second Mile charity, or Sandusky himself.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The two countries’ ties have grown stronger since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022 with Pyongyang sending thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to help repel a 2024 Ukrainian incursion there.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • Choose to wear the cuffs and earrings on their own or pair them together for a fashion-forward look.
    — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • To mix things up, try out this striped blouse, which is designed with smocked cuffs that add a unique touch to the otherwise traditional top.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of cuffs
Noun
  • Highlights include a jewel box of a shop lined with wood drawers of glittering gemlike brooches, insignia, cords, and colored fringes; an embroidery and monogramming school; and a bead room for commissioning consultations.
    — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Leave your tangled web of cords and providers behind and switch to an all-in-one solution that keeps your calls, messages, videos, and more within reach at all times, and get it for free for an entire year in the process.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 7 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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