SHACKLE Synonyms: 197 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shackle 1 of 2

noun

ˈsha-kəl

Definition of shackle

as in chain

something that physically prevents free movement placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

shackle

2 of 2

verb

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

as in to hinder

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Verb

On Monday, the pair wore orange jail jumpsuits with their hands and feet shackled. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026 D4vd was seated shackled and emotionless as the photos were shown. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shackle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle

Noun

Diners are also trading up to fast-casual chains like Cava and Chipotle, which both called out strong growth among lower-end consumers during the latest quarter.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
People can become infected in one place and travel elsewhere before monitoring teams know they have been exposed, potentially creating new chains of transmission that are difficult to trace.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of chain

Verb

The flash-forward that closes the Lanterns series premiere was bound to strike a familiar chord with Kyle Chandler completists.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
To bind it, the artists crafted a mortar using a mix of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and blood.

— Mike McRae August 17, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of bind

Verb

Moser's mother, Rachel Moser, was charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, and related charges.

— Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The administration’s postponement of a Food and Drug Administration rule hampered the food safety system, which hindered a response to the outbreak.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

At the celebrations, Torres was also spotted wearing a rubber bracelet with a Spain flag that carried branding from the Guardia Civil — one of the country’s two national law enforcement agencies (the other being the Policia Nacional).

— Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Michelle, 62, completed her ensemble with a stack of silver bracelets, diamond studs, and a pair of patent leather pumps.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of bracelet

Noun

Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

The next batter, Sogard, pulled a hanging breaking ball from Hentges off the Green Monster, driving in Monasterio and tying the game.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
Right-hander Ben Joyce, who had not given up a run in any of his first six games, was a strike away from ending it when the Rangers’ Wyatt Langford blooped a 102 mph pitch into right field for a game-tying double.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

Lynda Albertson, an art-crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Lynda Albertson, an art crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.

— Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of impede

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shackle

shackled

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“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shackle

noun

verb

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