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
Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
Starbucks lays off 1,100 corporate employees as the coffee chain streamlines.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Once inside, some of the activists chained themselves together, barricading the doors to the treatment area, while others blocked the entrances.
—Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
In Mexico, American fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Domino’s face declining sales as campaigns promote local alternatives such as Vips and El Farolito.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
Starbucks lays off 1,100 corporate employees as the coffee chain streamlines.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
Darlie moved to the non-work-capable side of the row to be close to Lisa in her final month, then watched as Lisa was chained for the long drive to the state’s death chamber, in Huntsville.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Once inside, some of the activists chained themselves together, barricading the doors to the treatment area, while others blocked the entrances.
—Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
Robert De Niro’s Number One Priority Is Getting Rid of Trump With sequences filmed throughout the Navajo Nation, this remains one of the best-looking shows being made today.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
8 Mar. 2025
-
The answer clearly has something to do with the adrenaline and joy that is on ample display in the documentary’s many action sequences.—
Frank Scheck,
The Hollywood Reporter,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In Court Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Thursday, March 6th ‘Hamilton’ Cancels Kennedy Center Show Run In Protest Of Trump’s ‘Purge’ Despite these obstacles, female founders demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Trump, much like Putin, sees Ukraine as an inconvenience, an obstacle, something that should be grateful to even have a seat at the table.—
Illia Ponomarenko,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Crafted in platinum-iridium and embellished with white diamonds, the piece dates to the 1910s and was paired with platinum and diamond earrings, bracelet and ring, as well as a diamond and platinum ring that highlighted a pink tourmaline.—
Laurie Brookins,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Tailors stitch together vibrant textiles, bead makers carefully string together necklaces and bracelets, and more.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Bulls are bound for the play-in tournament once again.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Neither do the momentary passions (hello, Ukraine) that might forever bind the narrative to the present decade.—
Graham Hillard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
So in the same vein as solo dates, solo trips present an even better way to connect with singles worldwide.—
Jasmine Elise,
Essence,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Ensure your talent acquisition strategy is closely connected with overall business objectives.—
Trevor Higgs,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Whether traveling by train, bus, plane, or car, this mini purifier will help clean the air around you and your little ones.—
Ramona Saviss,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The train hit the truck on the right side, sending it careening northeast into a switching control box and then a telephone pole.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
arkansasonline.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Gathering at Scripps Research’s third annual Pandemic Preparedness Symposium last week, researchers working in virology and chemistry did not bother to debate whether or not H5N1 avian influenza will clear this rapidly shrinking hurdle.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Today, these hurdles are now compounded by the circumstances of a mediatized, globalized present in which artworks are readily circulated and recontextualized online—made hyper-visible through social media and simultaneously flattened by the internet’s immediacy.—
Fabiola Iza,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Crow-Armstrong slugged two home runs Saturday against the Seattle Mariners, including a no-doubt grand slam to center field, part of his seven extra-base hits that are tied for the team lead.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2025
-
But Sweeney had his hands partly tied because of Marchand’s health and his eight-team no-trade list.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share