1
as in chain
something that physically prevents free movement
placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in embarrassment
shackles plural
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to bind
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 to hinder
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
shackled by poverty and ignorance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 shackle
Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
The White House The White House on Tuesday afternoon posted a video online showing immigrants in shackles being prepared to board a deportation flight from Seattle.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025
After journeying to the U.S.-Mexico border near Tijuana to seek asylum, she and others in her group were shackled and flown to Panama.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Noun
Photos taken by the New York Times of her visit show a young man being escorted into a van, his hands in shackles.
—Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
The White House The White House on Tuesday afternoon posted a video online showing immigrants in shackles being prepared to board a deportation flight from Seattle.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
After Brooks was brought into the facility with his hands cuffed behind his back and his legs shackled, several guards began punching him in the face, torso and legs.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025
After journeying to the U.S.-Mexico border near Tijuana to seek asylum, she and others in her group were shackled and flown to Panama.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
-
So goes the slogan of a chain of German home improvement stores that plays up their customers’ pride as weekend contractors.—
Jasmin Jouhar,
Architectural Digest,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
As a further embarrassment, our country voted alongside such paragons of liberty as Belarus and North Korea in voting against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s aggression.—
The Editorial Board,
Orange County Register,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Widely seen as a diplomatic embarrassment, the exchange raised concerns about America's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian invasion.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Bulls are bound for the play-in tournament once again.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Neither do the momentary passions (hello, Ukraine) that might forever bind the narrative to the present decade.—
Graham Hillard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
-
CIOs and CTOs must be prepared to address the following: • Adoption Resistance: Employee apprehension about AI replacing jobs can hinder adoption.—
Mohit Gupta,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Crafted in platinum-iridium and embellished with white diamonds, the piece dates to the 1910s and was paired with platinum and diamond earrings, bracelet and ring, as well as a diamond and platinum ring that highlighted a pink tourmaline.—
Laurie Brookins,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Tailors stitch together vibrant textiles, bead makers carefully string together necklaces and bracelets, and more.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Take Calculated Risks; Start Lean Entrepreneurs should welcome uncertainty as a catalyst, not an obstacle.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
In Region 4 in Spokane, the biggest obstacle facing the No. 2 seed Huskies is No. 1 seed USC — which defeated UConn in Hartford in December.—
Scott Phillips,
The Athletic,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The game was largely back and forth with nine lead changes and 5 times throughout the game the score was tied.—
Allison Smith,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Critics question the wisdom of tying America’s financial future to a purely speculative, highly volatile asset.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Records showed that Worthy had been arrested Friday by deputies and held in the county jail on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking in common terms.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy was arrested Friday and booked into a central Texas jail on suspicion of assault of a family member by impeding breathing/circulation, according to Williamson County, Texas jail records.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share