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

All major bank chains will be closed on Labor Day; however, physical ATMs will still be available at most bank locations. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026 The bars were sold at major grocery chains including Publix, Harris Teeter, Walmart and Food Lion, according to an online product finder on Outshine’s website. — Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 And many of the groceries, particularly in the produce aisle, are a lot different from those at regional and national chains. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Dev says some chains are looking into this shift in reservations but balancing housekeeping needs with a variety of arrival and departure times isn’t simple. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, major theater chains such as AMC, Regal and Alamo Drafthouse have continued to incentivize repeat visits by offering premium formats, novelty merchandise, alcohol service and discounts for loyalty program members. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 In place of contemporary downspouts, rain chains—metal ropes that guide water—make weather a zen experience. — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 Buffet chains tend to elicit eye rolls (if not gagging sounds) from foodies. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 1 Sep. 2026 Not to mention, few studios have purchased cinemas even after the Department of Justice rescinded the 1948 Paramount Consent Decrees, which previously disallowed studios from owning movie theater chains. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Restaurant chains Chipotle and QDOBA pulled jalapeños last week. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 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

That might also explain the movie’s attempts to supercharge its few action sequences, as if the filmmakers realized belatedly that a sad book without much incident wasn’t exactly prime summer studio release fodder.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
The genetic code is what life everywhere uses to convert the information contained in DNA into specific protein sequences.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of sequences

Verb

Antinous attempts to shrug off the token’s return, but seemingly recognizes it, and realizes in full that Odysseus has returned for revenge when the man strings his bow.

— Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
From Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Highway strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge.

— Sarah Rose, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026

Definition of strings

Noun

Riccetti also argued that congestion caused by trains was a major factor in Hemphill traffic, and said that driver speeds along Hemphill are just too fast.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Members maintain the club's 129-year-old building, construct new stretches of track and fix each other's trains.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of trains

Noun

Options include leather, rubber, field, and fabric straps in a variety of colors, as well as stainless-steel bracelets.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026
The Office Romance star slipped on a stack of Fope’s gold mesh bracelets, topping off her ensemble with a Chanel handbag and Cartier earrings from the jeweler’s signature Panthère collection.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026