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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Perhaps the biggest obstacle to bilateral relations is Ms. Hasina, whom India refuses to hand over to Bangladesh to stand trial on charges of corruption and human rights abuses.—
Simon Montlake,
Christian Science Monitor,
16 May 2025 -
Apparently not: whatever obstacles there may have been before, the original group will be performing together for the first time in three and a half decades this weekend, at the behest of Goldenvoice, for the promoter’s annual Cruel World festival in Pasadena.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
16 May 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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Other hurdles, such as charging infrastructure and consumer education, remain.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
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The impact of the legislative hurdles is being felt at the construction site.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Federal prosecutors charged Dugan in April with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest.—
Todd Richmond,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
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The Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s aggressive use of the obstruction charges.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 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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But this latest exchange had a far less satisfying denouement: an uncertain military outcome and a diplomatic embarrassment, in the eyes of Modi’s nationalist base.—
Vaibhav Vats,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2025
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Houston has lost its last six against the Ravens, including last year’s 31-2 embarrassment on Christmas Day.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Noun
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As far as the lack of democratization, the current state of supply chains presents a high barrier to entry for small businesses who want to integrate with larger retailers or access global networks.—
Shekar Natarajan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Use waterproof barriers, such as special ointments or creams, to protect the skin from direct contact with water.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Why James Comey's Instagram post triggered federal response Comey was leading the FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election when Trump fired him in May 2017.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
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Comey further angered Trump by publicly confirming that the FBI was investigating Russian interference in the election and possible involvement by Trump campaign officials.—
Martha McHardy
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Shackles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackles. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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