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
The men appeared to have shackles at their hands and ankles. David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 The Palace lorded over Warsaw like a prison guard until the Poles shook off the shackles of communism in 1989. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
The men, who had their hands and ankles shackled, struggled to walk as officers pushed their heads down. CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025 In 2023, Daniel Cortes De La Valle experienced multiple seizures at the facility, and one while shackled during a visit to an outside medical provider, a civil complaint alleges. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shackle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shackle
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Around 2010 to 2011, as Woods walked knee-deep in the funk of public embarrassment, endless injuries and a broken swing, the door swung open to players desperate for space in major tournaments.
    Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Maybe Thursday is the start of something, of a retreat from embarrassment.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Malone says that restrictive behaviour around eating would typically be seen more widely at this time of the season, with players bound for warmer climates in the summer and wanting their physique to stand up to public scrutiny.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Throw in a tight scoreline, some inconsistent officiating at times and a chock-full away fan section that stood up singing the entire night, and things were bound to get chippy.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Arbitrary rules shouldn’t hinder deserved recognition.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • However, choosing to avoid office politics can seriously hinder your career growth.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The caller says $1,700 is required to cover the cost of an ankle bracelet and electronic monitoring equipment.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Each charm represents a milestone in the singer’s life, with emphasis on the symbolism behind each charm featured on bracelets and necklaces.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Significant obstacles remain: insufficient private investment, market fragmentation across 27 member states, and regulatory complexity could undermine Europe's ambitions.
    Federico Guerrini, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.
    Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Eligibility for premium subsidies for insurance plans sold in Affordable Care Act marketplaces is also tied to the official poverty level.
    Arthur Allen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The charges stem from their role in developing Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer accused of helping launder funds tied to North Korean cybercrime.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Maintaining a vigorous, healthy lawn is a good way to impede weed establishment and problematic perennials like dandelions.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Williams’ Carlos Sainz initially qualified 12th but was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Hamilton, causing a shakeup in the order of those who were knocked out in Q2.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shackle. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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