1
as in chain
something that physically prevents free movement
placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of shackle
The Editors, National Review, 18 Mar. 2025
Broken shackles lie underneath the statue’s drapery, to symbolize the end of all types of servitude and oppression.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Liam Stack, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Mooney recounted that she was shackled, slept on a mat with only a foil blanket, and endured a 24-hour transport ordeal crammed with 30 other women.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Noun
The Trump administration is not bound by these psychological shackles.
—The Editors, National Review, 18 Mar. 2025
Broken shackles lie underneath the statue’s drapery, to symbolize the end of all types of servitude and oppression.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
He was shackled and handcuffed, and his face was bloody and swollen.
—Liam Stack, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Mooney recounted that she was shackled, slept on a mat with only a foil blanket, and endured a 24-hour transport ordeal crammed with 30 other women.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
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The effects could ripple up the chain to textile makers and farmers as everyone seeks lower prices to save costs.—
Marc Bain and Joan Kennedy,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
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In the case of Tom’s, Schaden says teams are eager partners given the chain’s ability to bring in crowds even when there isn’t an event at the venue.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Court records show that CGV was keen to avoid embarrassment associated with the deal.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2025
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The term had the slightly kitschy flavor of other Cold War embarrassments—C.I.A. spy cats and Reds-under-the-bed paranoia.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This medication binds to and removes excess iron or copper from the body, helping prevent further liver damage in conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson disease.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
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Supervisors said the authority, which will be created with the departments of Public Works, Regional Planning, Fire and Public Health, will have the final, binding say on permitting issues.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Arbitrary rules shouldn’t hinder deserved recognition.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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However, choosing to avoid office politics can seriously hinder your career growth.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The caller says $1,700 is required to cover the cost of an ankle bracelet and electronic monitoring equipment.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Each charm represents a milestone in the singer’s life, with emphasis on the symbolism behind each charm featured on bracelets and necklaces.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.—
Jay Ruderman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
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Many beneficiaries already face obstacles getting through to the Social Security’s phone lines to make an in-person appointment and then need to drive to a field office, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Eligibility for premium subsidies for insurance plans sold in Affordable Care Act marketplaces is also tied to the official poverty level.—
Arthur Allen,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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The charges stem from their role in developing Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer accused of helping launder funds tied to North Korean cybercrime.—
Andrea Tinianow,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Removing opportunities for public commentary could impede the department’s ability to operate in the public’s interest, according to experts who spoke with Reuters.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The charges were first dropped a few weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term in part because the case would impede Adams’ ability to do his job as mayor, including cooperating with Trump’s immigration crackdown, the Justice Department’s new acting deputy attorney general wrote.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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