1
as in sequence
a series of things linked together
the chain of events that led the American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
this community will grow and prosper only after it has thrown off the chains of ignorance and prejudice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in bracelet
something that physically prevents free movement
chains on the prisoner's ankles
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to bind
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
chaining up the dog in the backyard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to connect
to put or bring together so as to form a new and longer whole
the prosecutor meticulously and brilliantly chained all the evidence together in his closing argument
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 chain
Michael McGough 14, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026
The fish are less labor-intensive and more hands-off than the chain dredging SRP used to employ.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Amy Taxin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
When Samantha Browdey’s body is found chained to a cement block, lying at the edge of a lake, detectives not only want to solve the murder but also find the woman’s infant daughter.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
Mountain travel was highly discouraged, according to the weather service, with snow reducing visibility, causing major delays and prompting chain controls likely on Interstate 80 and other mountain passes.
—Michael McGough 14, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026
The fish are less labor-intensive and more hands-off than the chain dredging SRP used to employ.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
Wedding arrived in court wearing a tan jail jumpsuit with his ankles chained.
—Amy Taxin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
When Samantha Browdey’s body is found chained to a cement block, lying at the edge of a lake, detectives not only want to solve the murder but also find the woman’s infant daughter.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
The company described the sequence as a full-mode transition flight.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Its landing sequence was a feat of unconventional engineering.—
Ilya Ferapontov,
Scientific American,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The deadly mass shooting at a school in British Columbia came as Canadian authorities face significant obstacles in rolling out a nationwide firearms buyback that is mired in practical and logistical complications.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Over the next 10 years, the Goo Goo Dolls would follow a trajectory of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and increasingly unlikely triumphs that more closely resembles a fictional underdog team from a Disney movie than a rock band.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This tiara, which arrived as a complete jewelry set consisting of earrings, two bracelets and a brooch, was bestowed as a royal gift to the new queen.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Sponsored by Wickford Artisans, this 25+ event offers bubbly, delectable desserts and a chance to make a charm necklace or bracelet with pieces from &LIVY.—
Susan McDonald,
The Providence Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Mobilization is people taking action that is time-bound and sending a message, which is important, Strano said.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The last time such cuts occurred — more than a decade ago — aircraft bound for Europe refueled in Nassau, Bahamas, the pilot recalled.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The association also has nurse practitioners, who can prescribe medications, and case workers who connect families to other social services.—
Michael Cuglietta,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
But if Amazon is using artificial intelligence to autonomously connect a network of cameras to locate a lost dog, what barriers are in place to prevent them from surveilling humans without their knowledge?—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Upon arrival, officers met with the train conductor and found the man who was hit near the Union Pacific-West railway tracks east of Western Avenue, according to the release.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Built in 1978, the bridge frequently remains in the open position for marine traffic, closing only for freight and Brightline trains.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Stier / Getty Images Earlier today in the men’s figure skating final, fellow American Maxim Naumov had to skate through a different kind of mental hurdle.—
The Sports Desk,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
-
In 2026, residents of Mathews, Mint Hill and Pineville face several specific barriers to health care access ranging from escalating costs to significant geographic and logistical hurdles.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Richardo Gonzalez and Justin Leonard are tied for third, four shots behind Toms.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Second baseman Cole Cramer singled to score Franco and tie the game.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
