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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
Tens of millions of birds were slaughtered to limit the spread of the virus, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination. Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
They will also be better poised to go farther and faster, if asked to push themselves to their physical limit. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025 But there are limits, and there are tools at our disposal. Jack Sheehan september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
Verb
  • While 77% of companies either encourage or don’t restrict AI use, adoption varies dramatically across where people sit in the org chart.
    Brad Rencher, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But for a few high-profile flashpoints, however, debate about the Americans’ suitability has largely remained restricted to the internet rather than the match-going fans.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mercenaries are defined as soldiers who are contracted by third parties unaffiliated with a nation’s armed forces and motivated primarily by private gain.
    Rebecca Johns, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Rivalries that are long in tenure and thick with hatred define college sports in the Deep South, where football is second only to faith in some places.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Within that report, the limitations of the analysis need to be acknowledged.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Tactics will remain flexible to adapt to changing fire behavior, terrain limitations, and resource availability.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Heeled mules are the ideal way to take both your style and your feet (literally) to new heights.
    Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Recently, however, both teams have elevated themselves to greater heights.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The recent acquisitions of Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have boosted the 49ers’ depth, but Jennings is their most accomplished wide receiver target entering the season, especially on tough, third-down throws.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe, sitting atop the complex boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Bella recalled her childhood as lacking in boundaries, with adults engaged in experimental ways of living which purported to offer freedom but in fact undermined any sense of security.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on limit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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