HANDCUFF Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

handcuff 1 of 2

noun

ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf

Definition of handcuff

as in bind

usually handcuffs plural something that physically prevents free movement the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs

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handcuff

2 of 2

verb

as in to bind

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test

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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 handcuff

Noun

Video taken after Jando’s arrest shows him being escorted in handcuffs by a squad of Mexican commandos. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Doorbell camera footage showed the actual assault in which Hyder threw Moore to the ground and repeatedly punched her before another officer pulled Hyder off and placed Moore in handcuffs. — Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Bessent’s maneuver could handcuff the Federal Reserve, which fights inflation by raising interest rates. — Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 Federal agents were waiting on the tarmac to greet them, handcuffs at the ready. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handcuff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff

Noun

Feasting on neutrality Few illustrate the current bind better than Caitlin Clark.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The Hightower high lord and his armies have occupied Tumbleton and have Rhaenyra in something of a bind.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of bind

Verb

Center fielder Tristan Peters saw his franchise-record-tying streak of consecutive games with a home run end at five.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Ryker Huther is tied for first with 66 for Circle Christian boys golf on the first day of the Titan Invitational.

— Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

Cornstarch can create issues like clogging sprayers, impeding root growth, or interfering with leaf function.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
But Blanche played down concerns that the erosion of judicial trust could impede his efforts to advance his agenda.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of impede

Verb

As families wait for news about their relatives, damaged roads, power outages and fears of further flooding have hampered rescue efforts.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Analysts point out that on one hand, droughts can hamper hydroelectric generation, while high temperatures raise cooling demand and strain power grids.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

That means making choices that support fertility, not hinder it — like getting regular exercise or cutting out cannabis, nicotine and alcohol.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
Dodson and Rodriguez had been competing for the starting spot opposite Brooks, but injuries to that unit had watered down the competition and hindered the evaluation process.

— Omar Kelly August 26, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of hinder

Verb

Conditions vary in different countries Some of the deportees have recounted being shackled while some were held in full-body restraint straitjackets called the WRAP during flights that can sometimes last more than 16 hours.

— Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The Valkyries played the first half like a team shackled by nerves.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026