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Definitions

on a string

ADJECTIVE
beholden
Synonyms
STRONGEST
grateful obligated obliged
STRONG
bound owing
WEAK
in hock into on the arm on the cuff on the tab owe one responsible under obligation
Antonyms
WEAK
ingrateful
ADJECTIVE
obedient
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attentive compliant deferential devoted docile dutiful faithful law-abiding loyal respectful subservient
WEAK
acquiescent amenable at one's beck and call biddable complaisant controllable docious duteous governable honoring in one's clutches in one's pocket in one's power obeisant obliging observant pliant regardful resigned reverential sheeplike tame tractable under control venerating well-trained willing wrapped around finger yielding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disloyal disobedient inconsiderate inconstant neglectful unfaithful
WEAK
contrary insolent misbehaving mutinous obstinate rebellious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They connect together like beads on a string to form the proteins needed by living organisms.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

“Obviously, you can’t do it individually by yourself. It has to be five guys on a string, communication, always at an all-time high.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

The display also featured Dahl's personal set of boules, along with his own invention of a magnet on a string, which Dahl used for picking up each boule.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

At one point all of the magicians spontaneously do a show for one another, each of them taking part in a can-you-top-this series of illusions strung as close together as popcorn on a string.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

All of that panting was meant to have us on a string.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia