1
as in sequences
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in handcuffs
something that physically prevents free movement
chains on the prisoner's ankles
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in binds
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chains
Drew Pittock, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
To address this, Cotton Incorporated collaborated with leading global researchers to quantify plastic leakage across both cotton and synthetic value chains, spanning fast fashion and more traditional apparel categories.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026
In countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the push to develop local mineral value chains has taken the tone of negotiating higher equity stakes in mining projects for the government, accompanied by threats of seizures and hostile takeovers.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Packing for a stay under the Grecian sun The Cyclades, one of the island chains in Greece, is home to Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros; three destinations that demand a wardrobe that’s swim-ready by day and sultry by night.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Over a dozen coworkers responded — some with emotional, full-length messages and others with simple chains of heart emojis.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The hotel's website explains that it is not affiliated with any hotel chains.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
The cell maintains this state with machines called electron transport chains that pump out thousands of protons per second.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
The storm is expected to snarl roads into the Sierra Nevada, and require motorists to put chains on their tires.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
In fact, Flytrex has partnered with several other fast-food chains, including Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Kebabs to Go and El Pollo Loco.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
To address this, Cotton Incorporated collaborated with leading global researchers to quantify plastic leakage across both cotton and synthetic value chains, spanning fast fashion and more traditional apparel categories.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026
In countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the push to develop local mineral value chains has taken the tone of negotiating higher equity stakes in mining projects for the government, accompanied by threats of seizures and hostile takeovers.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Packing for a stay under the Grecian sun The Cyclades, one of the island chains in Greece, is home to Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros; three destinations that demand a wardrobe that’s swim-ready by day and sultry by night.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Over a dozen coworkers responded — some with emotional, full-length messages and others with simple chains of heart emojis.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The hotel's website explains that it is not affiliated with any hotel chains.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
The cell maintains this state with machines called electron transport chains that pump out thousands of protons per second.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
The storm is expected to snarl roads into the Sierra Nevada, and require motorists to put chains on their tires.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 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
-
Cinema-goers opted to watch those thrilling sequences on the biggest and brightest screens.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Grand masters typically spend countless hours studying and memorizing long sequences of moves suggested by computer programs.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rams boss Les Snead and Chiefs leadership tandem Andy Reid and Brett Veach don’t seem hindered by obstacles either, despite later draft slots and paying future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The obstacles along the way fueled Jones’ drive to succeed.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The officer was then recorded repeatedly punching Suarez, before placing him in handcuffs, court documents show.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The Okaloosa sheriff’s office said Gillum was arrested without incident Wednesday night at a hotel in Destin, and posted a photo of him being led away in handcuffs.—
Jack Brook,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
These ragtag misfits, who are all incredibly talented and who are in desperate need of each other, and the glue that binds them together is the music and the city.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The technique uses a special solvent called ethaline that selectively binds different metals at different voltages, allowing precise separation.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Brown and her creative team have gotten caught up in adornment without capturing a deeper undertow that strings it all together.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The swoony strings coat the song with a lush, old-fashioned feel.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Orient Express, founded in 1883 and part of the Accor Group since 2022, has imbued the behemoth with the old-world glitz and glamour synonymous with its famous trains.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Morning trains typically offer gorgeous daytime views, but the evening trains may be in darkness depending on the time of year.—
Karon Warren,
AJC.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At a closed-door conference on April 28, the court and participants discussed the user experience, revealing that several bugs and hurdles remain.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
With limited communication access inside Iran, the filmmakers faced significant logistical hurdles in bringing the film to Sundance.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two of the bracelets have since been recovered in perfect condition, and authorities are still searching for the third, as the trial of three suspects continues.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The bracelets were left in their original condition.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chains. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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