CHAINS Synonyms: 216 Similar and Opposite Words

chains 1 of 2

noun

plural of chain

as in sequences

a series of things linked together the chain of events that led the American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain

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Relevance

as in obstacles

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

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as in handcuffs

something that physically prevents free movement chains on the prisoner's ankles

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chains

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of chain

as in binds

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains chaining up the dog in the backyard

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as in strings

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

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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 chains

Noun

Independents rise as chains face headwinds Keown said that while some chains have seen financial headwinds and store closures, independent pizzerias have been ascendant. —

James Powel, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 Motorists are advised to carry a complete winter storm emergency kit, including tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water and a first-aid kit. —

Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 The powerful bank lobby has a growing list of allies—including airlines and hotel chains—that will likely push to preserve the status quo. —

Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 New fast-food chains appear every year. —

Bob Rommel, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 In fact, the overwhelming majority of pet businesses in Colorado and nationally – including both large chains and independent stores – do not sell puppies, focusing instead on selling food and other products, or offering services such as grooming, boarding, and training. —

Elise Gingrich, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026 For fast-food chains, that level of reliability is appealing. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026 The structures are built as chains of self-propelling elements that collectively generate motion. —

Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026 As such, for developers and property owners, national chains and fast-casual operators often can represent the safer financial bet. —

Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026

Verb

To address this, Ivo uses a multi-step pipeline that chains together more than 400 model calls for each contract review. —

Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 Tokyo Central is owned by Japanese company Pan Pacific Retail Management, which also runs the grocery chains Gelson’s and Don Quijote. —

John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 Texas Roadhouse, which also operates casual dining chains Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers, is expected to report third-quarter results at the end of October. —

Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chains

Noun

Subjecting them, and us, to a series of repetitive wailing sequences blunts any potential emotional sharpness.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Complications ensue when the Marines invade the island, resulting in battle sequences with lots of pyrotechnics.

— Jeffrey Miller, Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026