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
Teresa Genaro,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Obviousness is this film’s handicap — and the main joke.
—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
The conflict has led to big swings in equities, bonds, currencies and commodities markets, with traders trying to handicap how long the war will last.
—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Noun
Keep your eye on the predictions and handicap accordingly, though this field offers a dearth of off-track options.
—
Teresa Genaro,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Obviousness is this film’s handicap — and the main joke.
—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
The previous mission, launched in 2023, was envisioned to include 2,500 personnel and was led by the Kenyan police, but it was handicapped by a lack of staff and funds.
—
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
The conflict has led to big swings in equities, bonds, currencies and commodities markets, with traders trying to handicap how long the war will last.
—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
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Many professionals and students have moved abroad in search of opportunities, putting Venezuela at a dire disadvantage with its disaster response.
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Every quarter a brand delays is a quarter of compounding disadvantage.
Noun
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There was an element of cynicism, but not on the part of determined prosecutors who overcame obstacles and brought the case to guilty pleas by three defendants and the conviction on 21 counts of the public official who ignited the scandal.
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But obstacles veered her away from art for years.
Verb
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Brown was hampered by a back injury in college, but that wasn’t enough to scare away the Nets.
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Investors are advised to avoid ASA, as its future performance appears hampered by both gold's current stagnation and management issues.
Noun
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However, there are still some hurdles to surmount, particularly financing.
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Here’s how experts suggest overcoming these hurdles.
Verb
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Officials said Friday that a group of 50 volunteers had joined the effort to look for Kinney along the banks of the lake, adding that on-and-off rain hindered the search, according to WSAZ.
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Soaking cherry seeds helps remove the pulp, preventing rot that can hinder germination.
Noun
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Some states have argued that requiring applicants to provide documentary proof of their citizenship could pose a significant barrier to voting because several forms of government ID don't include citizenship information, and many Americans don't have passports.
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How phytic acid may support gut lining repair A preclinical mouse study from the Guha Lab at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, published in Nature Communications, suggests phytic acid helps keep the intestinal barrier intact.
Verb
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The investigation also compliments previous claims that CCC’s regulations impede coastal infrastructure projects, which has drawn criticism from multiple political fronts over the last year.
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Supporters had campaigned for Merlin to be allowed into the Azteca to witness Mexico’s final group game — but the dabbler found his free passage impeded on Wednesday evening by FIFA regulations.
Noun
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That airflow obstruction sends oxygen levels plummeting, stimulating the pulmonary arteries to squeeze.
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Nixon then inserted himself into an obstruction of justice case by talking with an aide about blocking the FBI investigation, which eventually led to an impeachment inquiry by the House of Representatives and his eventual resignation.
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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