1
as in chain
something that physically prevents free movement
placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in embarrassment
shackles plural
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to bind
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hinder
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
shackled by poverty and ignorance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of shackle
Michael Russo, New York Times, 31 July 2025
On the one hand, China is the all-purpose bogeyman that should remove the shackles of regulation.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
But she is positively shocked to encounter Tommy, shackled to a makeshift bed in the basement.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Noun
This was always going to be an important summer for the Minnesota Wild, with their superstar eligible for a long-term extension and the shackles of the Zach Parise-Ryan Suter buyouts finally off.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 31 July 2025
On the one hand, China is the all-purpose bogeyman that should remove the shackles of regulation.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
Verb
Cortlen Henry, shackled and in red jail attire, entered a no-contest plea to accessory after the fact and witness tampering charges before Broward Circuit Court Judge Martin Fein.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
But she is positively shocked to encounter Tommy, shackled to a makeshift bed in the basement.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
-
With masses equivalent to millions or even billions of suns, supermassive black holes are too massive to have been born from dying stars; instead, it is theorized that they are created when smaller black holes collide and merge, and a chain of progressively larger and larger mergers.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The investment group also includes the Cherng Family Trust, the family office of the co-founders of the Panda Express restaurant chain, according to Friday’s statement.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Claudia Choose vulnerability over performative coolness, because possible embarrassment is way more powerful than polished detachment.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The companies showing off their cases with a lighter white or silvery iPhone 17 Pro in product shots mostly dodged any embarrassment, as those are harder to distinguish from Apple’s actual silver color.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The lingering effects of an incident so vile occurring within Burning man’s sweet bubble are bound to affect people for a long time.—
Denver Nicks,
Rolling Stone,
14 Sep. 2025
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With no binding regulatory framework in place, taxpayers must continue to rely on case law, examining a series of factors applied by the courts to determine whether an instrument is debt or equity.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Although dry air and other unfavorable atmospheric conditions have recently hindered development, the disturbance is expected to move into a more favorable environment later this week, giving it a better chance to become organized.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, the complexity of integrating disparate systems and ensuring compliance with regional regulations can hinder the seamless delivery of messages.—
Ivan Ostojić,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This is significant because the bracelet becomes a minor plot point throughout the episode.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
During her first visit with Daniel’s parents, Cherry takes a bracelet from Laura’s room and throws Laura’s cat Moses out the bathroom window.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This means that fuel cells can, theoretically, operate without the infrastructure problems of electric or hydrogen vehicles, but the real obstacle is achieving sheer power in a light, compact engine that is compliant with existing regulations.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
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This enables the robot to figure out its precise navigation and obstacle avoidance coordinates, with an accuracy down to 2 centimeters.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Over five shutout innings in his major league debut, the 23-year-old left-hander fanned 11 of their batters, tying the Red Sox record for strikeouts by a debuting pitcher, set by Don Aase on July 26, 1977.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
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These options are often less expensive, faster, and more closely tied to job outcomes than a four-year degree.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
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The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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