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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
Subsequent congressional investigations, post-campaign books, and news stories have only hardened public opinion that, with his mental acuity faltering and physical stamina limited, Biden should have stepped aside after a single term. David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 Trump has since limited the potential damage to Apple after exempting certain electronic products from tariffs following pledges from Cook. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
The bridge has signage stating that trucks of a certain size should not cross it, as well as height limit signs. Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025 There is a limit of two per order. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
Verb
  • That's because the city has a history of shifting on this issue, from when pursuits were restricted following bystander deaths, and then loosened in response to carjackings and reckless driving in the city.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Many states and tribal groups disagree with that take and are duking it out with Kalshi in courts from coast to coast to try to restrict where the company can operate without a gaming license.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her characters are cast to record an audio adaptation of a wildly popular vampire romance series that defined their teenage years, just like The Twilight Saga defined hers.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The planning commission accepted the recommendation, with a small modification related to how medical clinics are defined in the Land Development Code.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Moulton’s Senate primary rationale, stated or otherwise, rests on the enduring public image of former President Joe Biden, who withdrew from his 2024 reelection bid after a disastrous debate against Trump revealed limitations of being in office at age 82 and beyond.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
  • There are still limitations, of course.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In an interview with Flow Space, pro runner D’Amato shares five lessons about finding joy in midlife by taking on new challenges—and battling the fear, doubt, and failure that come with the desire to reach new heights.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The widest tree in Indiana, according to the registry, is a Silver Maple in Lawrence County with a circumference of 361 inches and a height of 103 feet.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This summer, New York brought in free agents Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson to fill out its bench depth — the club's biggest hole in 2024-25.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Sun enters Scorpio on October 22, which marks the start of an intense season of transformation, passion, and depth.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The board urges the alliance to request the necessary funding to support improved transportation within IPS boundaries and asks that all schools participate in a centralized system or forfeit a portion of their operations funding to support this centralized service.
    Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The original poster replied directly to this comment to clarify her boundaries.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on limit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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