SHACKLE(S) Synonyms: 192 Similar and Opposite Words

shackles 1 of 2

noun

plural of shackle

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons

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shackles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shackle

as in binds

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house

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as in hampers

to create difficulty for the work or activity of shackled by poverty and ignorance

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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 shackles

Noun

The Tates entered the courtroom in shackles and matching tan jail jumpsuits, surrounded by four US marshals. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Wearing dark blue jail garb, handcuffs and iron shackles around his waist, Caruso on Friday was ordered to surrender his passport before release. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Opening statements by defense Anthony's defense attorney, Russell Wilson, opened by requesting that Anthony be removed from his shackles, which Chitty approved. — Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 And shackles where the very system was preventing me from delivering value. — Alex Crippen, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 Somehow, the models managed to slip out of their shackles and go on a mini hacking spree. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 29 July 2026 They were then arrested and taken to prison — while reportedly holding hands and sharing a kiss in shackles. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, entered the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in shackles and an orange jumpsuit. — Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026 Burke entered the packed courtroom with shackles around his waist and, for a brief moment, seemed to smile shyly at the room. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackles

Noun

Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
The emotional incompatibility of self-care Applebaum said that even those who can overcome the practical obstacles often still struggle to take care of themselves.

— Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

But Oxley, writing in a commentary, cautioned that there are logistical hurdles and said the value of Venezuela’s reserves may have been exaggerated under former President Hugo Chavez.

— Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Secondly, insurance and safety inspections remain critical hurdles.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

In December 2019, the House impeached Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate then-former Vice President Joe Biden while withholding military aid.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
Her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser, has been charged with homicide and counts related to tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, obstruction and conspiracy.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Verb

For South Africa, which supplies more than 80% of the world’s platinum, the hydrogen bet ties its export earnings and job creation to Beijing’s industrial policy.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
That ties him with two other players for the most times having won that award.

— Jim Reineking, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ties

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“Shackles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackles. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shackles

noun

verb

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