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limit

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noun

1
2
as in height
the most extreme or advanced point those bratty kids have pushed my patience to the limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word limit different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of limit are circumscribe, confine, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When could circumscribe be used to replace limit?

In some situations, the words circumscribe and limit are roughly equivalent. However, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When might confine be a better fit than limit?

While in some cases nearly identical to limit, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When can restrict be used instead of limit?

The words restrict and limit can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

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 limit
Verb
This time, the conservative court − which includes three justices appointed by Trump in his first term − limited the ability of judges to block the president’s policies as they’re being challenged in court. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025 The Trump administration objected to the move and has already once gotten a sweeping Breyer ruling that would’ve limited White House authority over the troops overturned by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
The Senate bill would reduce the deductions for individuals making over $150,000, while the House bill does not include income limits. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 June 2025 Adults in America accept limits every day on their access to certain products or activities for the sake of protecting children. Clare Morell, National Review, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
Verb
  • North Korea restricts freedom of movement and suffers from persistent economic hardships, with around 60% of North Koreans estimated to be in poverty.
    Se Eun Gong, NPR, 5 July 2025
  • As a result of the vote on Park’s motion, the city’s Department of Transportation will restrict tour buses from any area declared part of a natural disaster emergency, and the ban will last through the duration of the emergency response.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest Astronomical Tide or HAT.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • Paul Guerlain, the grandson of Jean-Paul Guerlain, although not affiliated with the Guerlain brand, represents the next generation committed to upholding the values that have defined the maison for centuries.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Hybrid and virtual models also eliminate geographical barriers, which could increase attendee participation while reducing time and resource limitations.
    Michele Dobnikar, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Agencies can draw from underground reserves as needed without the rigid limitations of surface systems.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The issue is that BMI measures health risk by calculating height and weight.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 June 2025
  • Turmoil continues to roil the Middle East in a 12-day conflict that reached new heights June 21 after President Donald Trump authorized a series of U.S. missile strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • One can, likewise, reasonably second-guess the seemingly reactive approach in which the club seemed primarily focused on drafting centre depth, which is rather conveniently their biggest need at the NHL level.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • Brewers Rookie Pitcher Looking Like Next Superstar Ace Pittsburgh lacks a bit of outfield depth at the minor league level, and both New York and Chicago have the resources to send to the Pirates, should that be the asking price.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Make time for personal activities, set boundaries and prioritize your well-being.
    Angelo Chavez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • There was no need to build structures that would last, especially given how rapidly the boundaries were changing.
    Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on limit

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