1
as in disadvantages
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 obstacles
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 hampers
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
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Recent Examples of handicaps
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 May 2026
Despite its handicaps, Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.
—ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Young players can be motivated to keep playing more complex games, especially if parents create handicaps that help young kids excel or house rules that are designed for inclusive play.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
The cars' real handicaps were a lack of liquid cooling for the battery packs.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Secondary school students in less affluent states will find themselves with substandard educational offerings that may serve as handicaps when those students compete with those who have benefited from enriched educational opportunities provided in wealthier states.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
All of the electric buses are equipped with accessories for students with handicaps.
—Harley Walls, Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2025
Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The San Diego Padres have a lot of money tied up in their star position players, which handicaps them in free agency.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025
Rams 23, 49ers 20 Lock of the Week Much was made this week about the Bills failing to acquire a wide receiver at the trade deadline and whether that handicaps their Super Bowl chances.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
Of course, blame Dad for any handicaps.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 May 2026
Despite its handicaps, Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.
—ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Young players can be motivated to keep playing more complex games, especially if parents create handicaps that help young kids excel or house rules that are designed for inclusive play.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
The cars' real handicaps were a lack of liquid cooling for the battery packs.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Secondary school students in less affluent states will find themselves with substandard educational offerings that may serve as handicaps when those students compete with those who have benefited from enriched educational opportunities provided in wealthier states.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
All of the electric buses are equipped with accessories for students with handicaps.
—Harley Walls, Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
Warming permanently handicaps the watershed, shrinking the payoff from wet years.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The San Diego Padres have a lot of money tied up in their star position players, which handicaps them in free agency.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025
Rams 23, 49ers 20 Lock of the Week Much was made this week about the Bills failing to acquire a wide receiver at the trade deadline and whether that handicaps their Super Bowl chances.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicaps
Noun
-
DataHaven found that a legacy of racial and residential segregation has contributed to lingering inequality, with Black and Latino communities facing significant disadvantages and lower quality of life.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2026
-
Consider both carefully, then, as each comes with significant advantages and disadvantages in today's economy.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Already, the dune had swallowed up the northern part of the parking lot along with trees and other obstacles in its way.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
-
With so many preparation obstacles, Ghalenoei leaned on experience against Belgium, sending out the oldest starting 11 at a World Cup match since 1966, according to Opta.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 June 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Beyond New York, states like California, Texas, and Illinois have enacted similar measures, granting victims a mechanism to contest liabilities directly with banks.—
Anna Schecter,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
In the filing, West Marine listed more than 100,000 creditors, between $500 million and $1 billion in assets and between $500 million and $1 billion in liabilities, USA Today said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Taking Ament would require belief that the shooting and strength questions are developmental hurdles, not glaring red flags.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
17 June 2026
-
Beyond institutional hurdles, players also faced a wave of sexist abuse online.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
This is due, in large part, to expectations of a strong El Niño, which traditionally hinders storm development.—
Robin Webb,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Our systems are overly complex, spanning hundreds of dependencies, which hinders our ability to move fast.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
To have the best chance of viewing the planetary alignment, find a spot free of light pollution and a view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Not just crashes, but obstructions, emergency scene conflicts, unexpected stops in travel lanes and response-time performance.—
David Roberts,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
While the technology assists in officiating and enhances live broadcasts, those sensors can also add uneven mass distribution that impedes a ball's movement in the air.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
When wealth impedes authenticity, the consequences can extend well into economic, cultural, and civic spheres.—
David H. Rosmarin,
Time,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handicaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicaps. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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