shackle 1 of 2

shackle

2 of 2

verb

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
Finding a way to put the shackles on Woburn’s (17-6-1) top line of Jack McEleney, Jack Lee and Jameson Needham was something not many teams had done all season. Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025 The video includes footage of a set of handcuffs and chains jingling as they are pulled from a basket containing other shackles and then laid out on the airport tarmac next to four other sets of restraints. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
Mangione arrived at the February 21 court appearance with his hands and ankles shackled, wearing a bulletproof vest over a green sweater. Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025 In a video circulated last weekend by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, the new inmates of his infamous Terrorism Confinement Center were shackled by the hands and feet and yanked by the hair off of planes by faceless guards in riot gear. Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
  • Rabbi Anne wears a keepsake from her grandfather — a metal thimble that dangles from a silver chain around her neck.
    Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Bhattacharya explained further that the data platform would also link the data from real world sources such as pharmacy chains, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indian Health Service and fitness trackers and smart watches.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There was a time when Hubble had the potential to become NASA's biggest embarrassment.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The embarrassment for Manchester United letting a striker leave who then is the star in a Champions League tie against elite opposition is obvious.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Post yourself up at hotels like The Carlyle or The Mark, and you’re bound to catch a glimpse of one of your favorite singers or actors.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 4 May 2025
  • The spacecraft was bound for Venus, but an issue with a timer cut an engine burn prematurely, which ultimately left the spacecraft stuck in Earth’s orbit.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Scientists believe early exposure to this content may hinder children's understanding of consent and respect in relationships.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 May 2025
  • The Transport Workers Union argued the petition would hinder safety.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Mom Candle, a love letter to American summers, tennis bracelets and country club lunches.
    Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The actress wore green earrings and a few cocktail rings and bracelets by Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The final three are for ensuring successful implementation of the decision: foresight, which is the habit of setting goals; alertness, the habit of having situational awareness; and preparedness, the habit of anticipating and avoiding obstacles to implementation.
    Andrew Abela, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • The challenge of problem-solving and overcoming high-stakes obstacles.
    Jovan Buha, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The Waters/Agassi partnership ground out rallies but the teenagers persevered and tied the match.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • The doc examines Naomi Judd’s complicated bond with her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, that both tied them together and drove them apart.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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