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
  • Gaeta was escorted in handcuffs out of the courtroom after being given the maximum sentence allowed by law.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a distressing shot of a sleeping bag next to a pair of handcuffs.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • There are a litany of reasons to distrust Google’s AI Overviews, which now appear at the top of its search results above links to actual websites.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 20 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
  • Next came an exhibition around a creepy Howdy Doody-ish figure that met countless violent fates while being cast about mechanistically on chains in 2016.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • By the end of the 1920s, major theater chains were dispensing with the organists and pit orchestras that had accompanied silent films.
    — David Woodard, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • When a buyback operation retires $4 billion of 30-year bonds, that borrowing need grows by $4 billion, and with coupon auction sizes frozen, the marginal instrument is the bill.
    — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In total, there were 25 sales and purchases of stocks, bonds and ETFs in that range.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • Michelle, 62, completed her ensemble with a stack of silver bracelets, diamond studs, and a pair of patent leather pumps.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Members of the community have also started wearing the bracelets.
    — Francie Ebert, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • None less than Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay after Giggs scored a goal in extra time to settle one of the greatest cup ties ever.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, both Breakker and Rhodes are listed with Atlanta ties, bringing a local flavor to the event.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • Ribbed trim around the neckline, sleeve cuffs, and hem elevates the look.
    — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This sweater has thin stripes and a contrast trim at the collar, cuffs, hem, and patch pocket.
    — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of cuffs
Noun
  • There's no need for batteries, cords or plugs, meaning using them outside is super streamlined and not at all technical.
    — Grace Dean, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 24 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ligatures for Spanish Speakers

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