1
as in chain
something that physically prevents free movement
placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shackle
Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
The video includes footage of a set of handcuffs and chains jingling as they are pulled from a basket containing other shackles and then laid out on the airport tarmac next to four other sets of restraints.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
In a video circulated last weekend by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, the new inmates of his infamous Terrorism Confinement Center were shackled by the hands and feet and yanked by the hair off of planes by faceless guards in riot gear.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Noun
Finding a way to put the shackles on Woburn’s (17-6-1) top line of Jack McEleney, Jack Lee and Jameson Needham was something not many teams had done all season.
—Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
The video includes footage of a set of handcuffs and chains jingling as they are pulled from a basket containing other shackles and then laid out on the airport tarmac next to four other sets of restraints.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
Mangione arrived at the February 21 court appearance with his hands and ankles shackled, wearing a bulletproof vest over a green sweater.
—Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
In a video circulated last weekend by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, the new inmates of his infamous Terrorism Confinement Center were shackled by the hands and feet and yanked by the hair off of planes by faceless guards in riot gear.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
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Rabbi Anne wears a keepsake from her grandfather — a metal thimble that dangles from a silver chain around her neck.—
Hollace Ava Weiner,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2025
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Bhattacharya explained further that the data platform would also link the data from real world sources such as pharmacy chains, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indian Health Service and fitness trackers and smart watches.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There was a time when Hubble had the potential to become NASA's biggest embarrassment.—
Tariq Malik,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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The embarrassment for Manchester United letting a striker leave who then is the star in a Champions League tie against elite opposition is obvious.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Caffeine boosts energy by blocking a neurotransmitter, called adenosine, from binding to receptors in the brain.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
25 Apr. 2025
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And even when schools have large endowments, the individual funds that compose them are bound by a wide array of restrictions.—
Todd L. Ely,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Leaders worldwide are promoting minimal AI regulation to drive innovation and avoid hindering growth.—
Art Gilliland,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Being smart with money now, as well as brand building, is crucial to making sure your on-the-field duties are not hindered.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But her jewelry brought a contrast to her look, with oversized green gemstones used in her dangle drop earrings, a chunky ring and a chain bracelet.—
Tommy McArdle,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Lively accessorized with turquoise stone earrings, a matching cocktail ring, and similarly hued bead bracelets.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After a stunning Game 1 blowout followed by a defensive struggle out of the 1990s, the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves playoff series will relocate to the Twin Cities, tied 1-1.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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Potential price hikes tied to the tariffs would occur in the next fiscal year, P & G’s CEO told CNBC.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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