1
as in restrictions
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
a time-honored tradition is fine as long as it doesn't become a fetter that prevents us from trying something new
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
claims that government regulations are unnecessary fetters that keep him from achieving his business goals
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3
as in handcuffs
something that physically prevents free movement
considered a seat belt a pointless fetter—until one saved his life in an auto accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in binds
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
museum artifacts that serve as somber reminders of the days when slaves were fettered with irons
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hinders
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the belief that too many rules and restrictions fetter children's creativity
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fetters
Jeremy Mennis, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
The short life of Alexander Hamilton both feeds and fetters Vaill’s project.
—Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony.
—Jeremy Mennis, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
The short life of Alexander Hamilton both feeds and fetters Vaill’s project.
—Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fetters
Noun
-
The order, which escalated the president's bid to place new restrictions on voting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, is being challenged in court.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
Fans, legislators and even some sports leagues have begun calling for restrictions on gambling ads.—
Luke Connors,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
The finale is leading to a big convention showdown between Hypergnosis and PINATA, which are each working through obstacles that any responsible company would iron out before going public with their product.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
-
The incidents involving contact with chains, trailer hitches, poles, and curbs indicate recurring limitations in detecting smaller or irregular obstacles, especially during reversing maneuvers.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Other facial recognition wrongful arrest cases Angela Lipps is not the first person to say facial recognition helped put them in handcuffs.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
-
Tucker’s rapid-fire delivery is punctuated with sound effects, music cues, and the use of a variety of props dangling from his person at all times (including handcuffs, a wad of cash, and two guns).—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The web of hospitality here binds residents of all ages together for a fulfilling and memory-rich lifestyle.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
-
This gel-like substance coats your gut and binds to cholesterol, preventing it from entering your bloodstream.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
This imbalance hinders some of the phrasing's sweetness in the vocal harmony.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
Vast terrain hinders search The immediate area in Stewart County where the search is currently contained is covered with big trees and steep hills, as well as snakes and ticks, according to the sheriff.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The study, led by Sang-yup Lee, comes at a time when global naphtha prices are volatile due to supply constraints and higher demand from the petrochemical industry.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
-
Players must adapt to the draw of the cards to meet unique quest constraints.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
By creating an antibiotic-free fermentation system, the researchers believe the platform could face fewer regulatory hurdles in future industrial applications.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
-
The bill needed strong backing in the House, as it was passed under suspension, which requires a two-thirds majority vote and sidesteps certain procedural hurdles.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Addressing Canal+‘s investment in UGC, one of France’s top exhibition chains, Saada sought to downplay suggestions of an imminent takeover while leaving the door open to a future acquisition.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
18 May 2026
-
The drinks are also sold at smaller chains and independent stores, including Lazy Acres, Rainbow Acres and Happier Grocery in New York City.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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