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 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
  • One officer then pepper-sprayed the driver in the face as another put him in handcuffs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Deputies pulled Smith from the vehicle and tried to place him in handcuffs.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • The latest paper, however, suggests those links could even extend into the microbiome.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Aparicio is not hard on Adela for this deafness, perhaps because there are so many links between the character and the director’s own history.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of links
Noun
  • American eating habits are shifting toward high-protein options, prompting major fast-food chains to reimagine traditional morning foods to meet growing consumer demand for functional nutrition.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Other chains found that promotions did little to offset pressure on lower-income consumers.
    — Savyata Mishra, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • Just as Treasury is likely forced back toward longer-term bonds, the Fed under new Chair Kevin Warsh is moving to shrink its own balance sheet.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Grooming can help remove parasites, improve hygiene and reinforce social bonds.
    — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • Investigators reported that Dogan approached a woman and offered to buy two bracelets worth thousands of dollars before allegedly taking them.
    — Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Keeping the outfit simple for her lax vacation, Berry paired the dress with gold jewelry—including bangle bracelets and huggie earrings.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • Although gang ties to Tupac’s killing had been suspected from the beginning, the search for the killer was long hampered by the refusal of potential eyewitnesses to testify.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The situation in Yemen has its own dynamics independent of the US-Iran war, but the Houthis’ close ties with Iran and attacks on ships are part of a widening, low-intensity conflict.
    — Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • Sculptural bangles and bold cuffs are replacing delicate jewelry, whether stacked or balanced on both wrists.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Topping it off, a pair of black leather gloves pushed the shirt cuffs midway up her arm.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Ligatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ligatures. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ligatures

Nglish: Translation of ligatures for Spanish Speakers

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