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
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Recent Examples of chain
Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to him, the Creature manages to escape by using his supernatural strength to tear off his chains and scuttle through a drainage pipe to freedom.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
Angela Yang, NBC news, 25 Dec. 2025
Why Southerners Love Rum Balls Unlike more complicated recipes that require special equipment like a candy thermometer and being chained to the stove to ensure perfection, rum balls are blissfully easy to prepare.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
In other chain restaurant news, Ted’s Montana Grill has pulled the plug on its plans to open on Marietta Square, the Marietta Daily Journal reported.
—Verb
One writer, Tiffany Ng, chronicled her experience chaining her phone to the wall for a week.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
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Inside the chip, both blastocysts and blastoids went through the full implantation sequence.—
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Using ancestral sequence reconstruction, which reconstructs ancient proteins from modern genetic data, the team resurrected cannabinoid-producing enzymes from early cannabis ancestors.—
Noun
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Joint pain that turns stairs into obstacles.—
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One other obstacle the White House will need to contend with, Hochstein said, is blowback from Gulf countries and from China.—
Noun
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Anna and Jack put the pieces together that all three crimes are connected by the disturbing messages displayed on their deceased bodies, as well as the same friendship bracelet attached to each victim.—
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To end the meal, our waitress tied red string bracelets with small wooden charms around our wrists, a gesture meant to bring good fortune in the year ahead.—
Verb
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Whether your child is 4 or 14, they’re bound to enjoy building their own creations from this Lego Brick Box that’s on sale for $18.—
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So, pack your hiking boots, your binoculars, and maybe a little extra phone storage for the photos you’re bound to take.—
Verb
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One of those techniques involves an empty chair placed in front of a client, encouraging them to imagine and speak to someone connected to unresolved emotions.—
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Fort Worth police said the three cases are not connected.—
Noun
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The city also offers a tourist train for five euros that runs about every hour, connecting the historic center with the two main beach areas (Platja de la Grava and Platja de l’Arenal).—
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So much so, that one wonders if a sweetheart neckline or traditional mermaid train feels representative of the current fashion mood.—
Noun
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Billing Headaches Clearing the access hurdles to HIV prevention medicine was just the beginning.—
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Development of Greenland’s mineral resources is challenging because of the island’s harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.—
Verb
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Demin hit a 3-pointer with six seconds to go to tie it, and Banchero missed a 30-footer at the buzzer.—
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Schnapp also spoke to PEOPLE about the series ending, insisting that all loose ends had been tied — even his character’s longstanding crush on his best friend Mike (Wolfhard).—
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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