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

One of the more memorable instances finds Cole grabbing an open padlock off a door and using it to belt an opponent across the face before hooking the shackle into the dude’s mouth and using it to rip open his cheek. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 Opening statements by defense Anthony's defense attorney, Russell Wilson, opened by requesting that Anthony be removed from his shackles, which Chitty approved. — Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Conditions vary in different countries Some of the deportees have recounted being shackled while some were held in full-body restraint straitjackets called the WRAP during flights that can sometimes last more than 16 hours. — Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Mangione entered the courtroom Tuesday wearing a gray suit with his wrists shackled in front of him. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shackle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle

Noun

Niihau is the seventh-largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain, but the smallest populated island, according to the Niihau Cultural Heritage Foundation.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026
In animals, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inside the muscle supplies most of the mechanical energy, while an electrical impulse travels along a motor neuron and triggers a chain of events that causes skeletal muscle fibers to contract.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of chain

Verb

The magician—and apparently her family, down through the generations—is responsible for keeping this creature at bay by binding it to a living body that remains immobile.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
The rules of the single market bind every member state equally.

— JONAS NAHM, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of bind

Verb

At worst, his weaknesses prove disruptive to the lineup in his minutes or hinder the development of the others.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Internalizing the middle Cross-border shopping has traditionally carried friction for consumers that could have otherwise hindered their ability to purchase from international retailers.

— Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

As well, her Darlene De Sedle 22k gold and opal diamond ring and matching crystal opal bracelet from the suite once owned by Elizabeth Taylor and gifted to her by her husband.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Shop Official KPop Demon Hunters Jewelry The KPop Demon Hunters capsule collection includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets and keychains inspired by HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop singing trio in the film.

— Tim Chan, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of bracelet

Noun

The report released by the NBA’s investigators at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz portrays Ballmer and the team as treating the league’s salary cap rules not as strict mandates, but as obstacles to be evaded, like traffic cones.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Around 32% of previous cohorts are now hiring or championing others for more senior roles, with 68% of alums citing access to decision makers is the single biggest obstacle to career progression.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

The company says those sensors can help with reminders and brief activity records tied to relevant interactions rather than continuous recording.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
This increase in work, the jury contended, was directly tied to Skains’ decision to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which determined Skains had the right to sue over the discrimination.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

Air force officials in Greece made no immediate comment on the status of the two airmen, noting that rescue crews were hampered by the fire on the grounds of Tanagra air force base, 60 kilometers (about 40 miles) north of Athens.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Stanford went 5 of 15 on third down and was hampered by a slew of inopportune penalties that Miami capitalized on.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of hamper

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“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shackle

noun

verb

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