variants
also straightjacket
as in confinement
a jacket that has long arms which can be tied together behind someone's back and that is used to control the movement (as of a violent prisoner or patient)
The magician struggled to free his arms from the straitjacket and escape from the tank of water he was submerged in.
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Recent Examples of straitjacket
As the rangers discovered, what is planned for today might become tomorrow's straitjacket.
—
Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Determining just when a clear identity becomes a tactical straitjacket is a fine line to walk.
—Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025
But the movie never busts out of its tame, slightly cheeky straitjacket, and the smoothness of its execution can be a bit cozy at times.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Cold War history has become a straitjacket constraining how Americans perceive the world.
—Justin Winokur, Foreign Affairs, 13 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Determining just when a clear identity becomes a tactical straitjacket is a fine line to walk.
—Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025
But the movie never busts out of its tame, slightly cheeky straitjacket, and the smoothness of its execution can be a bit cozy at times.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Cold War history has become a straitjacket constraining how Americans perceive the world.
—Justin Winokur, Foreign Affairs, 13 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjacket
Noun
-
In a population already at higher risk of illness due to stress and confinement, these oversights can quickly escalate into medical emergencies.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Discontent with confinement and mistreatment, some attempt to escape and even attack their peers.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This past July, the conservative advocacy group America First Legal requested a federal investigation of the chain due to its alleged discrimination against white employees.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The death sets off a chain of events that forces Lilian to revisit her fractured family life and complicated bond with her ex-husband.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Inconsistency is another trap—being visible during a launch but silent during challenges erodes credibility.—
Heather Rosenow,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Low-lying areas that trap water are perfect environments for mosses.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The stand collar provides extra protection for the neck, while zippered hand pockets are ideal for keeping your hands warm.—
Anne Taylor,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Whether its a bad case of bedhead, friction from a hood or collar, or a complete surprise attack, just about everyone has dealt with hair matting.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straitjacket.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjacket. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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