as in hampers
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
an accident is tying up traffic at 5th and Broadway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ties up
Democrats also don’t want to be seen as rooting against the US military, nor for a long war that ties up US troops in Iran for months if not years.
—
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
The second half ties up all the loose ends admirably, but making fans wait a month between the two was pointless, especially after the three year wait between seasons.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The group confronts John, bringing up that the bones Bogdan accidentally found in the cemetery likely belong to Mercer, and that such a conclusion ties up all the other loose ends.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The finale ties up a few of the storylines, like having Tricia finally visit their sister’s home to process her loss together.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
This glib, rushed moment puts an unearned exclamation point at the end of a glib, rushed episode that ties up AJLT’s glib, rushed final Carrie storyline.
—Judy Berman, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
The second half ties up all the loose ends admirably, but making fans wait a month between the two was pointless, especially after the three year wait between seasons.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The group confronts John, bringing up that the bones Bogdan accidentally found in the cemetery likely belong to Mercer, and that such a conclusion ties up all the other loose ends.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The finale ties up a few of the storylines, like having Tricia finally visit their sister’s home to process her loss together.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
This glib, rushed moment puts an unearned exclamation point at the end of a glib, rushed episode that ties up AJLT’s glib, rushed final Carrie storyline.
—Judy Berman, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ties up
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The weir prohibits the flow of saltwater into the lagoon and impedes the draining of sediment from the lagoon into the ocean.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
This gross oversight, which is largely due to a lack of financial backing, impedes reproductive health for everyone.—
Kenneth H. Mayer,
STAT,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Afterward, Denver7 heard from Douglas County residents, including a Parker woman who feels the move hinders productive conversations around local issues and is merely a way for the commissioners to dodge criticism and accountability.—
thedenverchannel.com,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, which hinders his ability to communicate.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The company holds back 30% of the equity to cover its selling costs, settlement charges and miscellaneous other fees, including 9% per day on all advanced funds.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Sophie holds back and cries in her room.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Warming permanently handicaps the watershed, shrinking the payoff from wet years.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The San Diego Padres have a lot of money tied up in their star position players, which handicaps them in free agency.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ties up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ties%20up. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
