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
-
The bail agents then got the man into handcuffs.—
Hannah McIlree,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
The man in brown pants is later seen in handcuffs and being led away while screaming at someone.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Take control of your money with CNBC Select CNBC Select is editorially independent and may earn a commission from affiliate partners on links.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
13 June 2026
-
The outbreak that the FDA links to all the above moringa except MOGO has sickened at least 119 people, 32 of whom have been hospitalized, in 36 states.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Al Jazeera reported that monks and rescue workers collaborated to form human chains via which treasures were passed from the burning building to safety.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
15 June 2026
-
These days, the Yum Brands unit is facing stiff competition, both from upstart chicken chains and legacy giants like McDonald’s that are betting big on the growing global popularity of chicken.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Previous disclosures showed that his investment accounts mainly bought and sold municipal and corporate bonds at a much slower pace.—
Michael Kaplan,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
In the eighteen-seventies, as now, most people who bought stocks and bonds were well off.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
For something with a cleaner finish, the Citizen Fio in orange strap is an easy stacking piece, designed to pair with other bracelets like a chic tennis bracelet or even a chunkier piece with Knicks- charms.—
Pooja Mistry,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Princess Charlotte and Princess Kate also wore matching, three-strand pearl bracelets.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The judge additionally said that Sarsour's deep ties to the community and his health concerns were also considered in ruling in favor of his release.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
-
Payton spoke unapologetically from the witness stand about his gang ties and his criminal history.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Add extra lace notions like a collar or cuffs to make your dress feel less bare.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
-
The bomber, which boasts more than a kilogram of cashmere and thoughtful engineering in the construction and cuffs, goes for 1,495 euros.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Avoid entering basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
-
Below, Southern designers weigh in with their top tips for how to best hide TV cords throughout the house.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
