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
David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2025
After finishing that section, players could remove their blindfold and then complete a puzzle which gave a key that unlocked their shackles.
—EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
But she is positively shocked to encounter Tommy, shackled to a makeshift bed in the basement.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Noun
Republicans in some states, though, don’t have those sorts of shackles, and efforts are being seriously discussed in Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Missouri to create GOP-friendly districts.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2025
After finishing that section, players could remove their blindfold and then complete a puzzle which gave a key that unlocked their shackles.
—EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Cortlen Henry, shackled and in red jail attire, entered a no-contest plea to accessory after the fact and witness tampering charges before Broward Circuit Court Judge Martin Fein.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
But she is positively shocked to encounter Tommy, shackled to a makeshift bed in the basement.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
-
Additionally, the chain is offering a deal that allows customers to buy any large pizza at regular menu price and get another large, 1-topping pizza for free.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The fitness chain opened its first gym in Covina in 1984 and now has 700 locations across North America.—
Shawn Price,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The woman, a 19-year-old, shared her story, expressing confusion and embarrassment over the humiliating conversation.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Man Steph doesn’t deserve the embarrassment [for real].—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The lingering effects of an incident so vile occurring within Burning man’s sweet bubble are bound to affect people for a long time.—
Denver Nicks,
Rolling Stone,
14 Sep. 2025
-
With no binding regulatory framework in place, taxpayers must continue to rely on case law, examining a series of factors applied by the courts to determine whether an instrument is debt or equity.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Although dry air and other unfavorable atmospheric conditions have recently hindered development, the disturbance is expected to move into a more favorable environment later this week, giving it a better chance to become organized.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Additionally, the complexity of integrating disparate systems and ensuring compliance with regional regulations can hinder the seamless delivery of messages.—
Ivan Ostojić,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Skims founder stunned as the cover star of the October 2025 issue wearing a white gold necklace, earrings and bracelet each part of the Pluie de Cartier collection and totaling 707 diamonds with more than 44 carats, according to Vogue.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
-
At first glance, the bracelet’s gadroons appear to be a decorative feature of the gold surface.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This means that fuel cells can, theoretically, operate without the infrastructure problems of electric or hydrogen vehicles, but the real obstacle is achieving sheer power in a light, compact engine that is compliant with existing regulations.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
-
This enables the robot to figure out its precise navigation and obstacle avoidance coordinates, with an accuracy down to 2 centimeters.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Over five shutout innings in his major league debut, the 23-year-old left-hander fanned 11 of their batters, tying the Red Sox record for strikeouts by a debuting pitcher, set by Don Aase on July 26, 1977.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
-
These options are often less expensive, faster, and more closely tied to job outcomes than a four-year degree.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share