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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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 bill restricts a local government unit’s ability to impose and increase fees related to building approval and permits, among other design-element limitations. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 However, there are just a few limitations that designers recommend enforcing. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026 There are limitations to this method of detection. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026 His only meaningful limitation was an initial slurring of his speech. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • The departments of Treasury and Commerce will soon issue the new guidance making clear there are no quantity limits for the oil exports.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Many represented landlords or apartment owner groups and said the rental rate hike limits had gone on for more than a year and should be lifted.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Beijing has balked at any restrictions on its smaller but growing nuclear arsenal and denies carrying out such a nuclear test.
    Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • In September, a state appeals court ordered Huntington Beach to update its housing element within 120 days and allowed state regulators to impose restrictions on the city’s control over permitting and development in the meantime.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Ongoing trend Ukraine and Russia aren't alone in experiencing declining fertility and birth rates — the trend can be seen in a variety of European and Asia countries — and the decreases can be down to several factors, from career and lifestyle choices to economic constraints.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Power constraints and potential grid equipment shortages are set to delay 30% to 50% of data center projects in 2026, as some hyperscalers weigh the benefits of pursuing on-site power generation instead, a new Sightline report found.
    Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 24 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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