as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in binds
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 hampers
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
shackled by poverty and ignorance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackles
Noun
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Listen to this article The path back to the pinnacle was littered with obstacles.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2025 -
But Sunshine’s cast is filled with superb actors, including Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Benedict Wong, and Michelle Yeoh — not to mention a pre-fame Chris Evans — as their spacecraft faces deadly obstacles on the way to completing this desperate mission.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Verb
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This medication binds to and removes excess iron or copper from the body, helping prevent further liver damage in conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson disease.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
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Now the new study, led by UNM professor Brent Wagner, MD, has found a connection between gadolinium and oxalic acid, a molecule found in foods which binds with metal ions, leading to medical issues such as kidney stones.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The firm works with individuals facing financial roadblocks like mortgage denials, auto loan issues, and business funding hurdles.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
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Still, Mamdani’s biggest hurdle may be convincing decision-makers in Albany, who would have to sign off on an income tax increase.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
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The 71-year-old was convicted in July 2024 of 16 counts, including extortion, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
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According to records from the DeKalb County jail, where the reporter remains detained, he was charged with improperly entering a pedestrian roadway, obstruction of law enforcement officers and unlawful assembly.—
Marlon Sorto,
CNN Money,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Let go of whatever impedes your progress and growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
The Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2025
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However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Who’s to blame for the embarrassment that has become Lincoln Yards?—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
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The problem with toughing it out alone, though, is that a lot of people will continue to isolate themselves for weeks, Brown says, whether out of embarrassment, fear, or pride.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
24 June 2025
Noun
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With the advantages in warfare, intelligence, and economy that AI maturity will grant a nation-state, why would leaders put up barriers to achieving it?—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Yet, the pace of future development depends on clearing Texas's legislative barriers, securing financing, and restoring confidence among lenders and landowners.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Brazil's federal police also accused Luiz Fernando Corrêa, the head of the country's intelligence agency under Lula, of undue interference in investigations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2025
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The structure is rigid and is sufficiently shielded against external electromagnetic interference to keep the audio signal as pure as possible.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Shackles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackles. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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