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
Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
Guam is the centerpiece of the second island chain, while Okinawa belongs to the first island chain.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Olivia Marks, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025
One senior dog is still recovering after his rescue in Asbury Park, N.J., where he was left chained outside in freezing temperatures.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain 
Noun
An issue that begins in the foot may affect the way a person walks and stands, causing further injury up the kinetic chain, through compensatory mechanisms.
—Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
Guam is the centerpiece of the second island chain, while Okinawa belongs to the first island chain.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
The cast were chained to pillars in the auditorium.
—Olivia Marks, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025
One senior dog is still recovering after his rescue in Asbury Park, N.J., where he was left chained outside in freezing temperatures.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
The average Premier League team have 57 sequences per match that start in the attacking half.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
18 Jan. 2025
-
That included an eight-save sequence in the third, in which Arlington pulled John Snider (21 saves) for all 1:34 of a 4-on-4 down 3-1 with 5:09 left – and kept him off for a 26-second 6-on-4 advantage.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Leaders should face obstacles with a growth mindset — challenges are opportunities to learn, innovate and demonstrate grit, inspiring their teams to do the same.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Studios, whose business model is founded on strong copyright protections, have expressed concern that AI tools could be inhibited by regulatory obstacles.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Shields spoke glowingly of the night in a recent podcast interview, saying mama Swift gave one of her daughters a bracelet right off her wrist.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Chalamet paired the green scarf with a denim set from True Religion that featured contrasting stitching, layered bracelets, and a pair of ankle boots.—
Marissa Muller,
WWD,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Jubilee runs through early January 2026, so, if you are bound for Rome, book everything as far in advance as possible.—
Gary Stoller,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Removing such an important network from any team is bound to cause disruption to the team’s identity.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Bloom reveals the pair hit it off straight away, and that he was especially charmed by how Barrymore, who began acting at only 11 months old, made an effort to connect with all of the kids on set, too.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Jan. 2025
-
One other Capitol riot defendants has run into trouble Last week, another man connected to the Jan. 6 riot was arrested after Trump pardoned him.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Green film production: a lot of (glorious) train rides and electric car sharing for cast & crew (no VIP drivers on this film set).—
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
-
One hour away by train, Piedmont’s culinary mecca—known for its white truffles—is also the capital of one of Italy’s leading wine regions, or simply use Turin as a launchpad for exploring the greater Piedmont region.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
But Noe said the biggest hurdle local farmers face when trying to expand their operations is the pressure from development spreading across the historic agricultural lands in South Miami-Dade.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Still, patients need to jump through logistical hurdles to secure a prescription or insurance coverage.—
Team Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Makhachev's 15 wins in a row is also one away from tying the 16-fight win streak that was set by Anderson Silva.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Minnesota had a distinct advantage on the glass and in the paint in the first half and went to the break tied 60-60.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near chain
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share