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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This pattern of persecution, especially when combined with ongoing habitat loss, has likely contributed to low recruitment and remains a major obstacle to population recovery.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025 -
Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
26 July 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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One reason for the unexpectedly slow pace is that the Chinese companies have not cleared a key engineering hurdle.—
Selam Gebrekidan,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
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Scaling its use requires overcoming hurdles related to the transportation of bulky materials, establishing local milling facilities and securing access to renewable energy.—
Sahit Muja,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Julie was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
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Examples of Clean Team’s work Coronado cited an example of the Clean Team’s work is removing overhanging tree limbs in the right-of-way to maintain visibility and function for pedestrians and drivers, along with making sure sidewalks are free of obstructions.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 July 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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The event was widely viewed as an embarrassment for the administration.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 July 2025
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But as George points out, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to getting on track.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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According to WisDOT, as part of the planning process, noise analyses identified areas where the barriers would reduce traffic noise by at least eight decibels.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
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This interpretation aligns with the ADA’s broader purpose, which is to eliminate barriers that prevent full and equal participation in everyday life.—
Dekel Skoop,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Like your ego almost has to move out of the way and make room for the exchange to take place without interference.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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Companies like Paramount, and billionaires like Jeff Bezos, may fear interference in everything from mergers to drug regulation to space flight.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
28 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Shackles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackles. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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