Definition of limitationnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it

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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents

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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 limitation The pool is necessary because of the space limitations of areas of the White House, like the Oval Office, or on Air Force One. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026 Lady Gaga There are also counterexamples of the limitations Method acting often places on women and actors of color. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 On top of the complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, the card provides increased status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club Sterling Status (enrollment required; terms and limitations apply). — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 There were limitations to the study, including the small group of volunteers, which consisted of more women than men, and a lack of variation in dog breeds, Li said. — Gina Vivinetto, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • Items for babies and children up to age three face the strictest limits.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Practicing attorneys who specialize in financial services and debt collection interviewed by The Star were split over whether the 15% limit applies to medical debt.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Any eligibility restriction might seem unfair when applied to individual athletes.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • At least half the original candidates in Alaska’s crowded governor’s race took positions critical of trawling or bycatch as contenders across the political spectrum called for tighter restrictions.
    — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some packs retain enough energy storage potential to serve stationary applications, where weight and packaging constraints matter less.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • ProteinMPNN selects each amino acid based on a series of constraints.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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