Thesaurus
Synonyms & Antonyms of shackle
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
something that physically prevents free movement
- placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
Synonyms for shackle
Words Related to shackle
2 shackles plural
something that makes movement or progress difficult
- the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons
Synonyms for shackle
- balk,
- bar,
- block,
- chain,
- clog,
- cramp,
- crimp,
- deterrent,
- drag,
- embarrassment,
- encumbrance,
- fetter,
- handicap,
- hindrance,
- holdback,
- hurdle,
- impediment,
- inhibition,
- interference,
- let,
- manacle,
- obstacle,
- obstruction,
- stop,
- stumbling block,
- trammel
Words Related to shackle
Near Antonyms for shackle
shackle
verbSynonyms & Antonyms of shackle (Entry 2 of 2)
1
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
- unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house
Synonyms for shackle
Words Related to shackle
Near Antonyms for shackle
Antonyms for shackle
2
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
- shackled by poverty and ignorance
Synonyms for shackle
Words Related to shackle
Phrases Synonymous with shackle
Near Antonyms for shackle
Antonyms for shackle
- aid,
- assist,
- facilitate,
- help
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share shackle
Time Traveler for shackle
The first known use of shackle was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century