SHACKLE Synonyms: 197 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shackle 1 of 2

noun

ˈsha-kəl

Definition of shackle

as in chain

something that physically prevents free movement placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

shackle

2 of 2

verb

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

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of shackled by poverty and ignorance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Burke entered the packed courtroom with shackles around his waist and, for a brief moment, seemed to smile shyly at the room. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 July 2026 Judge Olmedo ruled Tuesday that Burke could be uncuffed, but his waist shackle had to be attached to his chair. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026

Verb

The airline’s flights have grown longer and crueler in recent years, with deportees sometimes shackled for days, according to an investigation by Mother Jones. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Carlos Sanchez, the Colombia midfielder, shadowed and successfully shackled Messi in a 2011 Copa America game that finished goalless. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shackle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle

Noun

For context, Luze is a small hotel chain and restaurant group from next-door Navarre, and Luze San Sebastián is the brand's first serious move into luxury hotels.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Jalapeños are in a number of menu items at the restaurant chain, including chili-corn salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole.

— Lily Alvino, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of chain

Noun

For the Indian government, the scandal was seen by some a political embarrassment, triggering protests by the opposition.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety has helped leaders understand why employees need to be able to raise concerns, admit mistakes, and ask questions without fear of punishment or embarrassment.

— Brian Eason, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Verb

Another confounding detail surrounding Ge’s death is that when he was found, his hands and feet were bound, and bedsheet strips were tied around his chest, according to his autopsy report.

— Connor Greene, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Self-exclusion in particular only binds licensed operators, which is why offshore sites target people who have signed up for it.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of bind

Verb

Yet, his need to send the company out in grand fashion is hindered by stuffing his own script like a duck due to become foie gras.

— Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
Unlike guilt, which encourages improvement, shame fosters a belief of personal inadequacy, hindering learning.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

The pair shared a kiss while lying on a Gucci towel, and Klum wore her hair wet and accessorized with delicate gold bracelets and rings.

— Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
In addition to a photo booth and deejay music, activities included a selection of Jackbox Games, cornhole, bracelet making, an ice-breaker bingo card and pub trivia hosted by McMahon (complete with prizes).

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of bracelet

Noun

For many commercial fleets, access to fueling has remained one of the biggest obstacles to adopting natural gas vehicles.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
Unlike Lake Michigan, debris and garbage settle along the riverbed and near the banks, forcing divers to search through sediment and obstacles while currents continue to move beneath the surface.

— Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
The United States appears unwilling to accept any conditions that could impede transit.

— , CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of impede

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“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shackle

noun

verb

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