LIGATURES Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

ligatures

noun

plural of ligature

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

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

Noun

The trooper ordered Lugo out of the BMW before placing him in handcuffs.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
The same day, the other man, Daniel Maddox, was placed in handcuffs at the home that was searched and held for several hours, the notice says.

— Phil Helsel, NBC news, 31 July 2026

Definition of handcuffs

Noun

The channel, which automatically receives links to modmail messages, was flooded with alerts after dozens of comments and posts dating back 10 years were automatically removed from the subreddit.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
From there, people can click on links to contribute to Larkin’s campaign.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of links

Noun

Feltheimer joins fellow deal supporters TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and the CEOs of major theater chains AMC and Regal, who have recently made public comments on it.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
An outpost of one of the Philippines' most beloved fast-food chains will finally open its doors in Roseville this week.

— Molly Riehl, CBS News, 6 Aug. 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

In Springfield, Ohio, home to a sizable Haitian community, Haitians were receiving letters to appear in person for ICE check-ins and being outfitted with ankle bracelets.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
The pair shared a kiss while lying on a Gucci towel, and Klum wore her hair wet and accessorized with delicate gold bracelets and rings.

— Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of bracelets

Noun

The State Ethics Commission on Monday overruled an administrative law judge who found that two Republican groups with ties to the defunct First Liberty Building & Loan did not violate campaign finance laws.

— David Wickert, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The statues of Polyphemus, Scylla and Charybdis, and other figures from The Odyssey discovered in Tiberius’s villa attest to the area’s millennia-long ties to myths and legends.

— Laura Itzkowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of ties

Noun

Think jelly sandals, silk scarves and headwraps, blue eyeshadow, bright jewel-tone dresses, or blouses with fun accents like feather cuffs.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
The police officers urged the National Guard members to remove the plastic cuffs and replaced them with looser metal handcuffs, the tort claim said.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026

Definition of cuffs

Noun

Michael, who would later split from his father’s control, accused him of severe childhood emotional and physical abuse, including beatings with iron cords.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026
The device can fit in standard gallery frames and doesn’t require power or data cords.

— Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of cords

Browse Nearby Words

ligature

ligatures

light

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ligatures

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on ligatures

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nurture

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes