1
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success
her natural shyness was not a handicap when she played chess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
her uncomfortable shoes became a handicap on the walking tour of the city, as she often had to sit and rest her sore feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the baseball player's small size did not handicap him in the least
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handicap
Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2025
Basque producers hope for a similar breakthrough, positioning their language not as a handicap but as a marker of distinction.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
Also, of course, I am handicapped by knowing that this couldn’t be printed in the foreseeable future, and by the fact that contemplation of this material has become painful.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Noun
EconomyFortune 500 Experts say Trump’s $100,000 fee for a talent visa is a handicap on the tech industry.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2025
Basque producers hope for a similar breakthrough, positioning their language not as a handicap but as a marker of distinction.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
The starting price moved upwards over the years, broaching $50,000 by 1994, but the car was so impressive that the hikes didn’t handicap it; Lexus still moved more than 165,000 copies over the first gen’s five-year run.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
Also, of course, I am handicapped by knowing that this couldn’t be printed in the foreseeable future, and by the fact that contemplation of this material has become painful.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
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But without Cooper, Willams and Patton, the Cyclones will be at a severe personnel disadvantage.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
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Hoffman acknowledged that the developers of data centers have been prone to operate in secret out of their concern of putting clients at a competitive disadvantage compared with rival companies.—
Peter Passi,
Twin Cities,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Joint pain that turns stairs into obstacles.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
6 Jan. 2026
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One other obstacle the White House will need to contend with, Hochstein said, is blowback from Gulf countries and from China.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Damage to the blood-brain barrier leads to inflammation within the brain and hampers the clearance of waste products like beta-amyloid protein (seen in Alzheimer's disease).—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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All of these issues combined have left Target with a workforce that has grown faster than sales and a complex corporate structure that has hampered decision-making and created needless red tape.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annie Palmer,Frank Holland,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Billing Headaches Clearing the access hurdles to HIV prevention medicine was just the beginning.—
Zach Dyer,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
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Development of Greenland’s mineral resources is challenging because of the island’s harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Normally, scent voices are mere whispers compared to the screams and angry shouts of humans, but in that section, certain sensitive plant species shrieked incessantly because of their proximity to plants that hindered their growth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As the balance grew, the payment portal became its own barrier.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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This soap never strips the skin of moisture, leaving your face and body perfectly cleansed and your skin barrier stronger than before.—
Olivia Rose Rushing,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
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New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In the aftermath, hundreds of rioters were charged with federal crimes, including assault, seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
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William DeFoor was identified as the suspect, and jail records show he was booked Monday on charges of vandalism, obstruction of official business, criminal damaging or endangering, and criminal trespass.—
Stephen Sorace , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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