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
  • The man in handcuffs, shortly after being detained, became unresponsive, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • After following orders to walk backward and drop to his knees, he was placed in handcuffs and questioned by officers from Dunwoody and the neighboring community of Doraville.
    — Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of handcuffs
Noun
  • Turning that investment into broader prosperity will require better education and skills, stronger governance and competition, and deeper links to global markets.
    — Jihad Azour, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Nodes placed along the ridge could then relay communications through inter-node links, providing local Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity for equipment and operations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of links
Noun
  • Cinemark and Regal among major chains have decided against their own sequel releases due to Netflix’s ultra-short two-week release window on offer, while AMC Theatres will screen the David Fincher film, starring Brad Pitt, on its Imax screens.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The light generates highly reactive chlorine radicals that activate carbon atoms along the polymer chains without destroying them.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • Paraguay's bonds have posted some of the worst losses in emerging markets this week, and the guaraní has slid against the dollar.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The intense heat triggers a rapid reaction in which carbon bonds with silica to form silicon carbide, a ultra-hard, heat-tolerant compound.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of bonds
Noun
  • Thankfully, that’s not the case (pun intended) with this travel jewelry case, which features dedicated compartments and sections for rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
    — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Borbonese was started in Turin, Italy, in 1910 under the ownership of Umberto Minestrone and Edoardo Calcagno, supplying necklaces, bracelets and other accoutrements to Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi, Galitzine and Ungaro.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of bracelets
Noun
  • Its hidden zipper and interior corner ties help keep everything neatly in place, while the warm camel hue pairs beautifully with the deeper plum of the blanket.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — who was visiting in a bid to deepen trade ties — were both in attendance.
    — Ian King, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of ties
Noun
  • The mock neckline and thick ribbed cuffs give it a more luxurious, intentional design.
    — Brooke Knappenberger, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
  • As the party wrapped up and all the women talked about their friendship and their powerful bonds, Lynne Curtin took all of her unsold cuffs and teetered back to her Ford Focus on a pair of heels that looked as rickety as a wooden rollercoaster.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of cuffs
Noun
  • However, dealing with all of those cords in your bags is not ideal.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Keep appliances and their cords away from sinks and splashing water, and never handle plugs or electrical devices with wet hands.
    — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 29 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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