1
as in ties
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
prisons tend to bind convicted criminals for transport
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bandages
to cover with a bandage
bind the wound to stop the bleeding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in threads
to gather into a tight mass by means of a line or cord
bind the asparagus spears carefully before packing the bunches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in predicaments
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
with our vacation week fast approaching, and no arrangements for the care of our pets, we were in a serious bind
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in chains
something that physically prevents free movement
the store owner held the would-be burglar in a makeshift bind until the police officers could arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 binds
Christian MacEdonia, The Conversation, 3 Jan. 2025
The carbon monoxide in smoke binds to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells, displacing oxygen, so your heart and brain get less oxygen.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025
Related Articles Obviously, the best way to avoid hangovers is to not drink at all, but if a celebratory sip is unavoidable this season, Myers recommends staying hydrated with water and electrolytes, getting extra sleep and taking charcoal, which binds to and removes toxins from the body.
—Emily Burns, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024
However, this rarely creates a strong enough foundation to keep couples together, as what binds them is situational, rather than stemming from aligned core values and genuine compatibility.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
They're predicted by the theory of quantum chromodynamics, which concerns how the strong force binds quarks together to form protons and neutrons (and hyperons).
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024
And one thread binds many of those conversations.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 Dec. 2024
Another breed of hypothetical particle, axions are predicted to exist by quantum chromodynamics, which is our best quantum theory of the strong force that binds quarks together to form protons, neutrons and ultimately atomic nuclei.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024
According to the brand, this binds to dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and sebum to easily wipe it away—leaving skin soft and conditioned.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
Specifically, researchers could use AI models to determine how specifically and potently the drug binds to known and unknown targets, the level of these targets in the body, how concentrated the drug becomes in healthy and diseased tissues, and the drug’s structural properties.
—Christian MacEdonia, The Conversation, 3 Jan. 2025
The carbon monoxide in smoke binds to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells, displacing oxygen, so your heart and brain get less oxygen.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025
Related Articles Obviously, the best way to avoid hangovers is to not drink at all, but if a celebratory sip is unavoidable this season, Myers recommends staying hydrated with water and electrolytes, getting extra sleep and taking charcoal, which binds to and removes toxins from the body.
—Emily Burns, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024
However, this rarely creates a strong enough foundation to keep couples together, as what binds them is situational, rather than stemming from aligned core values and genuine compatibility.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
They're predicted by the theory of quantum chromodynamics, which concerns how the strong force binds quarks together to form protons and neutrons (and hyperons).
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024
And one thread binds many of those conversations.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 Dec. 2024
Another breed of hypothetical particle, axions are predicted to exist by quantum chromodynamics, which is our best quantum theory of the strong force that binds quarks together to form protons, neutrons and ultimately atomic nuclei.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024
According to the brand, this binds to dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and sebum to easily wipe it away—leaving skin soft and conditioned.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for binds
Noun
-
The sweetness of the pickles, the creaminess of the cheeses and the tanginess of the mayo only add to the quality of this amazing hero sandwich.—
Toriano Porter,
Kansas City Star,
2 Jan. 2025
-
Standard toppings include lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, American and hot pepper cheeses, Miracle Whip mayonnaise and mustard served on an onion roll.—
Toriano Porter,
Kansas City Star,
2 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Nair’s work often explored themes of moral conflict, existential dilemmas, and the intricate dynamics of rural life, reflecting his deep understanding of his cultural milieu.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Dec. 2024
-
Yet, with these advancements come significant ethical dilemmas—bias in algorithms, job displacement, privacy concerns and potential misuse of technology.—
Izabela Lundberg,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Charles and Craig wear metal bracelets with Brian's badge number.—
Tom Dreisbach,
NPR,
5 Jan. 2025
-
But also, some of the bracelets people gave me were really inappropriate.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This $15 option from Basic Concepts attaches to your tray table, creating a swinging hammock that provides relief for tired, swollen feet.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Dec. 2024
-
The stool passes through the ileum into an ostomy pouch that attaches to the stoma outside your body.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
31 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Binds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/binds. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share