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
-
After court officers led Santos out of the courtroom in handcuffs, the Chinatown activist, Karlin Chan, said the sentencing gives the community closure.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
-
Chopper 4 captured the moment deputies and troopers chased the man and put him in handcuffs.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
6 June 2026
-
But the show’s relationship to the novels is a refreshingly flexible one, as are its links to the 1994 Neil Jordan film.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Her presence is heralded not by the sounds of howls, roars or clanking chains, but by the shutting of the door to her study, the scrape of her chair as it is pulled towards her desk, and the clanking of her type-writer keys.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Foot-traffic data show shoppers fleeing apparel, electronics and home-furnishing chains for warehouse clubs, supermarkets and dollar stores, while toys and beauty products remain rare splurges in an increasingly needs-first marketplace.—
Anne D’Innocenzio,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
The administration has cracked down on most forms of migration for foreigners — demanding that bonds of up to $15,000 be paid for visa processing in some, mainly African, countries and requiring years of personal history, including social media accounts, to be vetted.—
Matthew Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
The Eastport floating dock project, which costs $440,000, is being funded by a $350,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources State Waterway Improvement program, $65,000 in Annapolis bonds and $25,000 in capital reserves, city officials said.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Such declarations mean little to devotees like Marta Azcona, proprietor of Botanica La Fe a la Santísima Muerte in Fort Worth, Texas, whose shop is a warren of Santa Muerte statues, candles, bracelets and figurines.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
-
Earrings, necklaces and bracelets are all designed to withstand sweat, water, and everyday wear, perfect for the beach, pool, workouts and beyond.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The visit is a chance for Xi to push for a rebalancing of these ties and to signal the importance of the relationship to Beijing at a moment of global flux.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
-
Nvidia is looking to deepen its ties with South Korea as tech supply chains come into focus given the Iran war, and as the company faces rising regulatory hurdles in selling to the mainland Chinese market.—
Justina Lee,Lisa Kim,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
The capsule-wardrobe basic boasts a chic oversized fit, ruched cuffs, and an always-in pinstriped pattern.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
-
When reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, try to avoid clothing necklines and cuffs.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2026
-
Homes have rugs, cords, pets, narrow hallways, tight corners and furniture that always seems to get in the way.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
