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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shackle
Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2025
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Leave behind the shackles of gravity and establish your dominance on a whole new frontier by achieving the Science Victory in Civilization 7.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
Floridians remain largely shackled to an antiquated system that prioritizes profits over the interests of everyday consumers.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Noun
The three Alexander brothers arrived in Manhattan federal court together in handcuffs, shackles and drab beige jail clothing.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2025
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Leave behind the shackles of gravity and establish your dominance on a whole new frontier by achieving the Science Victory in Civilization 7.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
Butler, fresh off inking a two-year contract extension upon joining the Warriors and free from the indefinite suspension the Heat shackled him with for a pattern of conduct detrimental to the team, has his joy back.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
Floridians remain largely shackled to an antiquated system that prioritizes profits over the interests of everyday consumers.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
-
Michael’s and Hobby Lobby are the major craft chains; Hobby Lobby also has a limited selection of fabrics.—
Bay Area News Group,
The Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Retail chain Joann is shutting down all of its fabric stores — including several Sacramento-area locations — after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and being sold to a new ownership group.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This isn’t just about saving influencers from embarrassment.—
Paige Musto,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The energetic big man tends to hand out the embarrassments to his opponents.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Neither do the momentary passions (hello, Ukraine) that might forever bind the narrative to the present decade.—
Graham Hillard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The Bulls are bound for the play-in tournament once again.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Traders were also worried by economic data from the U.S., which raised alarm that Trump’s policies could hinder the U.S. economy.—
Amala Balakrishner,Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Crafted in platinum-iridium and embellished with white diamonds, the piece dates to the 1910s and was paired with platinum and diamond earrings, bracelet and ring, as well as a diamond and platinum ring that highlighted a pink tourmaline.—
Laurie Brookins,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Tailors stitch together vibrant textiles, bead makers carefully string together necklaces and bracelets, and more.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In Court Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Thursday, March 6th ‘Hamilton’ Cancels Kennedy Center Show Run In Protest Of Trump’s ‘Purge’ Despite these obstacles, female founders demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Trump, much like Putin, sees Ukraine as an inconvenience, an obstacle, something that should be grateful to even have a seat at the table.—
Illia Ponomarenko,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Crow-Armstrong slugged two home runs Saturday against the Seattle Mariners, including a no-doubt grand slam to center field, part of his seven extra-base hits that are tied for the team lead.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2025
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But Sweeney had his hands partly tied because of Marchand’s health and his eight-team no-trade list.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
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Without such reform, unmanageable debt will continue to impede these countries from investing in domestic green industrial strategies or in other measures to prevent and respond to climate, health, and other emergencies.—
Mariana Mazzucato,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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