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

The National Historic Park now displays chains and shackles in concrete along with information about the area's history. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026 His Department of Homeland Security regularly posts photos of people being deported, emphasizing and celebrating their shackles. — Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026

Verb

Tokyo would still be shackled with the biggest public debt burden anywhere — as much as 260% of GDP — as the population shrinks. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Mangione wore khaki-colored prison clothing and was not shackled at Monday’s brief proceeding, which lasted about 20 minutes. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shackle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle

Noun

Layer it over dainty gold or silver chains for a maximalist jewelry moment.

— Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Once on the brink of collapse after a $300 million fraud scandal that forced it to delist from Nasdaq in 2020, the coffee chain has staged a sharp comeback.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Definition of chain

Noun

In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.

— Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
By every ordinary rule of public life, the South Station scene should have induced annoyance or caused embarrassment.

— Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Verb

Such realism, buttressed by frank discussions of perimenopause and other facts of midlife, helps rather than hinders the show’s ability to transport.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 9 July 2026
This offseason, Cullen revealed that Karlaftis broke his hand, which required surgery during the Week 10 bye and hindered him for the rest of the season.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

Three years ago today — on July 8, 2023, as the story now goes — Travis Kelce really, really, really wanted to give Taylor Swift a beaded friendship bracelet after her Eras Tour concert at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

— Lisa Gutierrez July 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
The collection boasts an assortment of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

Definition of bracelet

Noun

Permitting — more than access to capital — is the main obstacle to building out the global energy system, the heads of the natural resources group at JP Morgan’s investment bank write today.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Finding locations with sufficient grid capacity has become a primary obstacle for technology companies building new facility hubs.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

The game remained tied after regulation and headed to extra time, when Bellingham, once again, came to the rescue for the Three Lions.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
After Ohtani hit his 21st homer of the season, Andy Pages hit a tying 419-foot blast to left-center for his 17th homer.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

Health care workers who impede these rituals for infection-control reasons often face hostility and violence; clinics have been attacked and burned down during this outbreak, furthering viral spread.

— Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026
These vehicles were blocking and impeding fire operations, and several were non-operational and required tow truck assistance for removal.

— Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of impede

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“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shackle

noun

verb

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