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 White House later said there was no evidence of a national security threat but acknowledged the episode exposed limitations in authorities to track and respond to unidentified drones near sensitive locations. Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 The report also highlights significant limitations in the airport’s safety systems. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 His latest work, The Urgency of Indigenous Values—available via JSTOR’s Path to Open program—not only examines the origins, wisdom, and pertinence of Haudenosaunee beliefs, but also confronts the inherent limitations of such examination. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026 But this model, known as equilibrium condensation, has limitations. Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • In the world of Kirkslop, there are no limits, or logic, to whom Kirk can or cannot be.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The intuitive Moon opposes Mars, creating tension between emotional needs and practical limits.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Public plans often have more restrictions based on misconduct, but the standard for forfeiture typically relies on a criminal conviction, according to experts.
    Anna Liss-Roy The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2026
  • According to Delta's policies, there are no restrictions for flying while pregnant on the airline.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some airlines and independent lounges sell day passes, but availability is often limited due to capacity constraints.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Law said the bill is lacking an education and outreach provision due largely to budget constraints.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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