1
as in sequence
a series of things linked together
the chain of events that led the American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
this community will grow and prosper only after it has thrown off the chains of ignorance and prejudice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in bracelet
something that physically prevents free movement
chains on the prisoner's ankles
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to bind
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
chaining up the dog in the backyard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to connect
to put or bring together so as to form a new and longer whole
the prosecutor meticulously and brilliantly chained all the evidence together in his closing argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 chain
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 23 May 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs star completed his look with a gold watch and a chain bracelet.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Tanstack reports that three vulnerabilities were abused and chained together to upload the malicious versions.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
It was caused by stress from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain bending the oceanic plate below.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 23 May 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs star completed his look with a gold watch and a chain bracelet.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Verb
In response, Thomas Boggs, a drummer for The Box Tops, staged a 48-hour protest, Wilson said, chaining himself to the stage and playing music.
—Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Tanstack reports that three vulnerabilities were abused and chained together to upload the malicious versions.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
So find some ways to sequence and get deeper into counts.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
-
An essential seven-email nurture sequence then teaches, builds trust, handles objections, and ultimately closes sales automatically.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Another obstacle is that the group hasn’t secured a stadium site.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
Black entrepreneurs continue to face tremendous obstacles securing funding, city contracts and institutional support.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
The Kansas City Chiefs star completed his look with a gold watch and a chain bracelet.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
-
Cyrus paired the look with minimal accessories, opting for a few bracelets and a ring, wearing her blonde hair straight, and choosing a dark smoky eye makeup look with natural lipstick.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Melissa are prime exemplars of how to do it right — and you’re bound to discover both the ultra-luxury and the laid-back amidst Nordstrom’s bursting-at-the-seams sale section this May.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
-
The problem, which Greg Sankey has pointed out, is that the SEC currently has a binding contract with ESPN to put on a yearly matchup in Atlanta.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Akindahunsi is not believed to be connected to prior incidents at or around the UCLA campus, Richard Mejia, director of emergency communications, said in a statement.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
The company reviewed its safety protocols this week in response to the situation at GKN, which is not connected to Arkema.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
The accident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, May 26 at a railroad crossing in Buggenhout, around 15 miles northwest of Brussels, near the town's train station, Reuters reported.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
-
Should that be true, the transit agency servicing the World Cup final is saying that moving people to a stadium is so expensive for them, a $98 train ticket is the break-even.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Newport Harbor multi-event standout Natalie McCarty qualified in the 100 and 300 hurdles.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
24 May 2026
-
Iran is moving its World Cup training base from Tucson to Tijuana, the president of the country’s soccer federation said Saturday, removing one of the final hurdles to its participation in this summer’s tournament.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Cleveland rallied and tied it at 50-all on a jumper by Harden before the Knicks countered with a 10-1 run.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
24 May 2026
-
The Aces battled back and tied it at 90 on a jumper in the lane by Chelsea Gray and again at 94 on two free throws by A’ja Wilson.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
