1
as in chain
something that physically prevents free movement
placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of shackle
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
Adam Reiss,
NBC news,
29 June 2026
He is shackled by the feet and handcuffed.
—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Mangione, who is facing two counts of stalking in the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, remained shackled at both his hands and feet while building engineers worked to free him from the elevator.
—
Adam Reiss,
NBC news,
29 June 2026
He is shackled by the feet and handcuffed.
—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
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His cuffs and chains were removed and a few minutes later he was pronounced dead, according to the family.
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The federal government is suing 99 Ranch Market, alleging the nation’s largest Asian supermarket chain is discriminating against employees who are not Chinese.
Noun
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Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.
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Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.
Verb
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Teplizumab – a form of immunotherapy – binds to immune cells to slow their attack and so delays the need to take insulin by two to three years.
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But, of course, everyone has a secret that’s bound to come out.
Verb
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He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.
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The Great American State Fair kicked off last week, though the 16-day event has been hindered by weather shutdowns, technical difficulties and low attendance.
Noun
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This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.
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Days later, Kelce tried and failed to give her a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it at her Kansas City show, the first domino to fall in the couple’s fabled romance.
Noun
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But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.
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Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.
Verb
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Acuff hit one of two free throws to tie the game with 38 seconds remaining.
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Gomez's glam team tied the look together with a sleek bun, pink lipstick, and smoky eye makeup.
Verb
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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.
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These vehicles were blocking and impeding fire operations, and several were non-operational and required tow truck assistance for removal.
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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