shackle 1 of 2

shackle

2 of 2

verb

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
Also, big Trade Deal is possible once U.K. gets rid of the shackles. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 After eight months imprisoned in shackles aboard six different ships, Platt managed to connect with a sympathetic attorney who asserted his right to habeas corpus and forced his release for trial. Time, 9 July 2025
Verb
Blount, who appeared wearing a white button-down shirt and tie, his hands shackled in front of him, his bulging gut and beige tie spilling over his beige pants, appeared impassive and refused to meet his victim’s gaze as Rothschild addressed him personally. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025 This was the puzzle: A knight awakens, shackled in a stone cell. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
  • The only remnants of the once thriving fast-casual chain restaurant are the imprints of large block letters that hung on the façade of the building, and a single, unused rotisserie.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • The retail chain, known for its home decor and international food products, voluntarily issued a recall for the product, also on July 14.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • The event was widely viewed as an embarrassment for the administration.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
  • But as George points out, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to getting on track.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • This obviously matters because billions of people use Google, meaning that AI Mode is bound to be highly trafficked.
    Nancy Marshall, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • But now the City Council has advanced a binding resolution using a power granted under City Charter for the first time ever.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Dry thunderstorms and gusty winds are hindering firefighting efforts and increasing fire risk.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Sloane points to other subtle touches that reflect Destruction's new outlook, like the cluster of beaded bracelets on his arm (Sloane's idea) and the chain around his neck contained a piece of hair from Ishtar (Amber Rose Revah), the goddess of war and death, and Destruction's former lover.
    EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • Rihanna completed the look with black rectangular shades and a stack of diamond bracelets.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The branches of the military, which maintain their own communication networks, have their own obstacles.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • For Superman, that means preventing any of the negatives that do initially arise from becoming obstacles or bandwagon narratives in the press.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • This small, daily action, tied to a routine cue, builds consistency, reduces reliance on motivation and strengthens willpower over time.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The White Lotus was also not the program with the most noms this year, matching The Studio and coming in tied for third after The Penguin (24 nominations) and Severance (27).
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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