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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
While less invasive tools are being developed, most still depend on bulky equipment or anesthesia, limiting their use for internal organs. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 The shop’s work wasn’t just limited to the mechanical side of things. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
There is no federal limit for how much lead is allowed in a protein powder. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 Advance tickets are recommended because there is a nightly capacity limit. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
Verb
  • Dozens of experts met at a two-day conference on engineering and safeguarding synthetic life in Manchester, UK, in September to discuss where red lines should be drawn to restrict research into technologies that could enable the creation of mirror organisms.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • On Tuesday, Meta announced that teen accounts on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won’t be able to change their settings without a parent’s permission.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their rugged endurance is what endears Jeeps to car-lovers with a sense of history and who appreciate the significance of a vehicle that defined an indefatigable generation.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Lyra’s existence pushes back against the moral absolutes and gendered expectations that define her world and seek to limit her agency.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And some studies finding positive results, such as the one mentioned above, have had significant limitations, including small sample sizes and potential conflicts of interest due to industry funding.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Oct. 2025
  • These decisions have significantly affected the availability of polling places, early voting, absentee ballot eligibility, and even the provision of food and water to voters waiting in lines for hours to vote, likely due to limitations mentioned above.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While most of us on the plane were in this same unexpected predicament, a passenger nearby didn't seem to be sharing in our misery thanks to a compact gadget propped up their phone to the perfect viewing height.
    Anita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In recent years, though, the popularity of the celebs-on-a-yacht genre has reached new heights.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The depth of humanity Kosztolányi brings to the sorrowful life of Skylark and her adoring parents is magical, and rewards anyone who overcomes its modest premise.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • But despite having to rely on their depth way more than they’d like, the 49ers are 4-2 and tied for the NFC West lead.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rodsky said setting boundaries around caregiving with a partner is part of building a partnership at home that minimizes the chance of burnout.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Oct. 2025
  • And this misapplication, whether through inappropriate comparisons and limited context, or a disregard for methodological boundaries, risks undermining both consumer and stakeholder trust in sustainability claims and data integrity—and misleading investments and interventions.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on limit

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