1
as in binding
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hampering
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
shackled by poverty and ignorance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shackling
Men are often the ones in those ICE facilities who are shackling and chaining detainees.
—
Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2026
In Wisconsin, a bill that would restrict shackling inmates while in labor — something most states already ban — has repeatedly failed to pass the state Legislature.
—Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025
Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2026
In Wisconsin, a bill that would restrict shackling inmates while in labor — something most states already ban — has repeatedly failed to pass the state Legislature.
—Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackling
Verb
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When language that sounds intentional, personal, and binding can be produced at scale by a speaker who bears no consequence, the expectations listeners are entitled to hold of a speaker begin to erode.—
Deb Roy,
The Atlantic,
15 Feb. 2026
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But his resolution — which is not binding — is fairly unusual in its call for fasting, which, more than prayer alone, tends to prompt self-reflection, said Monks, who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Despite a season-ending ACL tear sustained by Jimmy Butler and nagging knee soreness hampering Steph Curry, Golden State still has playoff hopes.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
9 Feb. 2026
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The move comes as the container shipping industry at large is reeling from declines in freight rates over the past year, hampering the bottom lines of many carriers.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That meant Grove was the U’s only post player, and the Alexandria native stepped up against Ducks’ 7-footer Nate Bittle with a career high 13 points and a team-high-tying eight rebounds.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
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That could be because this form of brain training appears to trigger something called implicit learning, which involves acquiring unconscious or automatic skills, like swimming or tying a shoelace.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Dozens of felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also crumbled.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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Dozens of felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also crumbled.—
Jack Brook,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For Jones, doing his part meant observing, which led to at least four officers jumping on his back, handcuffing him, crushing his legs, and grinding his forehead into the frozen concrete.—
Evan Minsker,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2026
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The officer around the man's neck then moves his hands to assist the other two officers in handcuffing the man, and replaces his hands with his knee on the man's head and neck.—
Hayley Walker,
NBC news,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The law classifies these crimes as heinous, prohibiting bail, amnesty or pardon, and hindering the progression of sentences for members of criminal factions.—
Evandro Cruz Silva,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
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Exilus and Walker, meanwhile face an additional charge of third-degree hindering the apprehension of another, Santiago said.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Romance feels confining as Venus clashes with Uranus today.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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The requirement to add wheels adds costs and can limit where these homes are allowed, often confining them to mobile home parks under local zoning rules.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His list of charges now includes resisting, delaying, and obstructing an officer and identity theft in Lee County, officials said.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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Last month, Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing authorities trying to detain him, abuse of power and fabricating a document.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shackling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackling. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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