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
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
Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
But Eze joined Arsenal shortly before the transfer window closed this summer, and Wilfried Zaha is no longer at the club, so there are fewer shackles for him.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
His arms were restrained to the bed and his feet were shackled together at the ankles.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Noun
Tender Buttons is a celebration of mutability, a rejoinder to rules, where words are set free from the shackles of meaning and grammatical function, made unfamiliar, and charged with power to make the world afresh.
—Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
But Eze joined Arsenal shortly before the transfer window closed this summer, and Wilfried Zaha is no longer at the club, so there are fewer shackles for him.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
The surveillance video shows several detainees, whose arms and legs were shackled, being hurried into the building with the help of federal agents.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
His arms were restrained to the bed and his feet were shackled together at the ankles.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
-
The chain started with a single location in Rogers in 2017 and offers more than 20,000 drink combinations.—
John Magsam,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The content creator dressed in a stunning array of jewels, a chain-style seashell dress from Paco Rabanne retailing for nearly $4,000, and a metallic purse.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Remember his embarrassment after winning the 2016 presidential election but losing the national popular vote?—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
For years now, Fuentes has been both an embarrassment to the right and an indicator of what’s brewing in the id of conservatism.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Whether your child is 4 or 14, they’re bound to enjoy building their own creations from this Lego Brick Box that’s on sale for $18.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
10 Nov. 2025
-
So, pack your hiking boots, your binoculars, and maybe a little extra phone storage for the photos you’re bound to take.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Unfortunately, in 2025, this display has — so far — been seriously hindered by the presence of a brilliant moon.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In a statement, the Justice Department told NPR the ongoing government shutdown is hindering its ability to consider appeals and reimburse organizations.—
NPR,
NPR,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Shopping the online jeweler’s collection means classics like tennis bracelets and diamond toi et moi rings boast a more accessible price without losing the elevated appeal of fine jewelry.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
7 Nov. 2025
-
It’s outfitted with compartments for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, including areas with snap closures to keep chains knot-free.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Yet, their durability remained the key obstacle to commercial deployment.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
-
What resists smooth transmission isn’t an obstacle to communication, but part of its meaning and texture.—
Ross Benjamin,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Harrison tied the team high with 13 points (50% from the field) in less than 12 minutes of play.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Then the Mitchell game-tying three and Wiggins’ game-winning dunk at the final buzzer happened.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
-
New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share