shackle 1 of 2

shackle

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shackle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shackle are clog, fetter, hamper, manacle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

When is it sensible to use clog instead of shackle?

Although the words clog and shackle have much in common, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

When is fetter a more appropriate choice than shackle?

The meanings of fetter and shackle largely overlap; however, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than shackle?

While in some cases nearly identical to shackle, hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When would trammel be a good substitute for shackle?

While the synonyms trammel and shackle are close in meaning, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

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 shackle
Noun
Break Jane out of shackles and whisk her off into the sunset. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025 The same summer Santiago and others ended up in shackles, the bureau appointed a reform-minded director, Colette Peters. Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
The thinking in Beijing may be that an independent Greenland will be less shackled to NATO and the European Union, and as such, more open to investment from further afield. Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025 Not just a solid body, a port in a storm, but a high-level performer, able to shackle Mohamed Salah without needing to break sweat. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shackle 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
  • This system could replace the traditional chain gang used to measure for first downs, though the chain method would remain available as a backup.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
  • The song is a cheeky touch, but also a nod to Daryle’s milieu: a lowbrow America of swamp tours, chain motels, and motorcycle shops.
    Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • One day, a player is going to get caught out and look pretty silly, but the embarrassment/flex risk/reward assessment is clearly judged worthwhile enough to keep doing it.
    Nick Miller, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
  • We were just expected to be OK with it, to shove down our discomfort, our embarrassment, our fear, because standing up for ourselves would mean being labeled as intolerant or hateful or bigoted.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Our groceries are full of glorious winter citrus, which adds brightness to this ethereal dessert, which is bound to entice your Valentine.
    Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The action takes place in 1993 as a train bound from the Serbian capital makes its way into Bosnian territory during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Driving the news: The freezing of State Department funds is hindering local groups from helping refugees who arrived shortly before the executive order, says Adam Clark, the executive director of World Relief Durham.
    Zachery Eanes, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Beauty struck a rare sour note during its quarterly report, cutting its full-year guidance in light of a January that the retailer says was hindered by the LA wildfires and fewer makeup tutorials on TikTok.
    Sara Salinas, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Choose between necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hair clips, charms, and key chains sporting the school’s logos — all for less than $50.
    Claire Harmeyer, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The result is a chunky statement bracelet that tells time in a whimsical new way.
    Carol Besler, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As businesses adapted to new ways of working, obstacles were removed for employees who had previously found their options limited.
    Gene Myers, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Poor planning can jeopardize access to space, materials, and equipment, leading to obstacles that drain time and money.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The movie, which follows two cousins on a trip to their late grandmother’s hometown in Poland, recently tied with Deadpool & Wolverine for best comedy at the Critics Choice Awards.
    Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Big or small, printed or tied, the iconic shape will always bring a feminine, fun, flirty flair to the function.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Steps designed to impede access are clearly not in the public interest.
    Mandy Taheri, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
  • But Scott’s experience did not impede the ambitions of future Black TV hosts.
    Anita M. Samuels, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near shackle

Cite this Entry

“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shackle

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