shackle 1 of 2

shackle

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shackle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shackle are clog, fetter, hamper, manacle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

When is it sensible to use clog instead of shackle?

Although the words clog and shackle have much in common, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

When is fetter a more appropriate choice than shackle?

The meanings of fetter and shackle largely overlap; however, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than shackle?

While in some cases nearly identical to shackle, hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When would trammel be a good substitute for shackle?

While the synonyms trammel and shackle are close in meaning, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

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
Noun
The men appeared to have shackles at their hands and ankles. David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 The Palace lorded over Warsaw like a prison guard until the Poles shook off the shackles of communism in 1989. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
The men, who had their hands and ankles shackled, struggled to walk as officers pushed their heads down. CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025 In 2023, Daniel Cortes De La Valle experienced multiple seizures at the facility, and one while shackled during a visit to an outside medical provider, a civil complaint alleges. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
  • Rabbi Anne wears a keepsake from her grandfather — a metal thimble that dangles from a silver chain around her neck.
    Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Bhattacharya explained further that the data platform would also link the data from real world sources such as pharmacy chains, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indian Health Service and fitness trackers and smart watches.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There was a time when Hubble had the potential to become NASA's biggest embarrassment.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The embarrassment for Manchester United letting a striker leave who then is the star in a Champions League tie against elite opposition is obvious.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Caffeine boosts energy by blocking a neurotransmitter, called adenosine, from binding to receptors in the brain.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And even when schools have large endowments, the individual funds that compose them are bound by a wide array of restrictions.
    Todd L. Ely, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders worldwide are promoting minimal AI regulation to drive innovation and avoid hindering growth.
    Art Gilliland, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Being smart with money now, as well as brand building, is crucial to making sure your on-the-field duties are not hindered.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But her jewelry brought a contrast to her look, with oversized green gemstones used in her dangle drop earrings, a chunky ring and a chain bracelet.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Lively accessorized with turquoise stone earrings, a matching cocktail ring, and similarly hued bead bracelets.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After a stunning Game 1 blowout followed by a defensive struggle out of the 1990s, the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves playoff series will relocate to the Twin Cities, tied 1-1.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Potential price hikes tied to the tariffs would occur in the next fiscal year, P & G’s CEO told CNBC.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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