as in bind
something that physically prevents free movement
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in binds
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hampers
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuffs
Noun
-
Immigrant advocates say the new demand has put themselves – and their clients – in a bind.—
Henry Gass,
Christian Science Monitor,
11 Apr. 2025 -
Just like the first time, Democrats are expected to use amendment votes to put Republicans in a bind on a number of issues.—
Al Weaver,
The Hill,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This medication binds to and removes excess iron or copper from the body, helping prevent further liver damage in conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson disease.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Now the new study, led by UNM professor Brent Wagner, MD, has found a connection between gadolinium and oxalic acid, a molecule found in foods which binds with metal ions, leading to medical issues such as kidney stones.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Tax Day is coming this week and restaurant chains across the country are offering customers freebies and discounts to celebrate the occasion.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The theater chain announced on social media that the special screenings will take place on Sunday, April 20.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Let go of whatever impedes your progress and growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
The Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Dimon's warning coincides with major turbulence in global bond markets and intensified fears of recession.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Those moves are truly enormous by bond market standards.—
Felix Salmon,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That's partly because of limited curb access in congested areas — one reason Waymo had $65,000 in parking tickets last year in San Francisco.—
Joann Muller,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The incident happened near 10 O Street in South Boston, where the vehicle was parked by the curb.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Finding a way to put the shackles on Woburn’s (17-6-1) top line of Jack McEleney, Jack Lee and Jameson Needham was something not many teams had done all season.—
Matt Roy,
Boston Herald,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Gledhill appeared in court on Feb. 6, wearing a navy jumpsuit and shackles with her hair tied in a bun.—
Audrey Conklin,
Fox News,
18 Feb. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Handcuffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuffs. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share