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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
That physical limitation, combined with the fact that most of her prior clients have dogs, means Avila’s return to work as a housekeeper hasn’t been realistic.
—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2026
But the reviewers flagged limitations, too.
—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
The truth is that while Los Angeles was considered progressive for its time, progress had limitations.
—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
But while some ingredients can enhance skin's appearance, there are limitations to what topical nonprescription products can do.
—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for limitation
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2026
But the reviewers flagged limitations, too.
—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
The truth is that while Los Angeles was considered progressive for its time, progress had limitations.
—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
But while some ingredients can enhance skin's appearance, there are limitations to what topical nonprescription products can do.
—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
-
At the same time, the city's latest Point-in-Time count found homelessness within Sacramento city limits has declined.
-
Everyday businesses most at risk To counter the threat, businesses and leaders should invest in cyber defenses, upgrade old systems or patch faulty software, and limit who has access to critical systems, the Five Eyes leaders said.
Noun
-
Last week, the UK government banned social media for under-16s starting next year, modeling its restrictions on those set by the Australian government in December.
-
Some of the restrictions were partially or fully reversed after public backlash and court challenges.
Noun
-
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington are included in the states opting out, with the majority citing budget constraints in their reasoning.
-
However, the dream of fully sovereign AI inevitably runs up against hard constraints around compute, capital, and energy.
Cite this Entry
“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
