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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 handicap
Washington Post, 23 June 2017
One man, who has a handicap, had to escape through a window, according to media reports.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, kansascity.com, 21 June 2017
Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
And, of course, all the recession handicapping now hinges on the tariff aggression remaining in place, something that could change quickly if the administration opens an exit ramp.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Noun
When Britain leaves the EU, British financial services companies would lose the automatic right to operate in all the other 27 EU states, a big handicap.
—Washington Post, 23 June 2017
One man, who has a handicap, had to escape through a window, according to media reports.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, kansascity.com, 21 June 2017
Verb
The European Commission estimates that around 182,000 innovative small and medium-sized companies could benefit from this proposal, essentially eliminating the regulatory fragmentation that has historically handicapped European scaling efforts.
—Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
And, of course, all the recession handicapping now hinges on the tariff aggression remaining in place, something that could change quickly if the administration opens an exit ramp.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
-
Here are the key advantages and disadvantages to consider before incorporating AI into your job search strategy.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
-
There is such a variety of options for manicures, and each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages.—
Rebecca Dancer,
Allure,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
The branches of the military, which maintain their own communication networks, have their own obstacles.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
For Superman, that means preventing any of the negatives that do initially arise from becoming obstacles or bandwagon narratives in the press.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
One of the central concerns is whether Trump administration cuts to the National Weather Service — the backbone of the country’s weather warning system — will hamper local governments and residents from staving off disaster when severe weather strikes.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Frequently the Swedes have been impressive in the early stages of tournaments only to fall at the final hurdle.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
One of the biggest hurdles was the architecture of the building.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
And further change to Apple’s executive ranks might hinder their efforts to expand in AI.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
According to WisDOT, as part of the planning process, noise analyses identified areas where the barriers would reduce traffic noise by at least eight decibels.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
-
Others have built barriers to protect vulnerable neighborhoods.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
-
Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
An 11th person has been charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy.—
Dallas Morning News,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
-
Even after stopping at an intersection, drivers may need to crane their necks to see around obstructions such as trees, light poles or sign posts that block visibility.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share