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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
But generally speaking, the Preakness Stakes is limited to 14 horses, all based on performances in recent major prep races, including but not limited to the Derby. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2025 Ultimately, however, the widespread, mainstream appeal of this music—with its conduit being the radio and, subsequently, streaming apps—limits the reach of its utopianism. Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 11 May 2025
Noun
There is a limit on how much someone is going to pay for a rubber duck, the business owners said. Martha Ann Overland, NPR, 10 May 2025 So far, so good in terms of Maresca’s insistence that his players need to dominate the ball to succeed — but there are also reasons to believe that possession has its limits. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
Verb
  • Earlier this year President Trump signed an executive order which seeks to restrict this right, which was established by the 14th Amendment in 1868.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Johnson’s relationship with DeSantis — whose administration has crusaded against diversity efforts at Florida’s public universities and sought to restrict how African American history is taught — has triggered raucous protests across the FAMU community in Tallahassee and nationwide.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The city is also the cradle of Puerto Rican salsa, the birthplace of the late ‘60s and ‘70s Latin music revolution defined by legends such as the Fania All Stars.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 20 May 2025
  • Sentenced as a young adult to 60 years behind bars, Maurice’s story could have ended there, defined forever by one devastating moment.
    Elizabeth Hinton, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Like Proton Drive, Proton Calendar and Proton Pass are available to free users, but with limitations.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
  • Under the draft bill, the limitations would be made permanent.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Yet arguably his greatest achievement was to raise the bar of the entire Premier League, pushing rivals like Manchester City to new heights in order for Pep Guardiola’s men to finish above Liverpool.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • To prevent the display from looking boring, create visual contrast through elements other than color—just varying the height, size, shape, and texture of the objects will create an eye-catching vignette. 3.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Probably, the chances of a fullback making the regular-season roster are tied to the number of tight ends and true running backs who end up sticking around as the offense and offensive depth chart evolve.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • The depth of this year’s draft class — which includes talent like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and Illinois star Kasparas Jakučionis — is a promising mechanism for teams attempting to rebuild their roster.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Because there’s no word for boundaries in Japanese.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
  • Eric is often the buffer between Justin and Dawn, able to set boundaries while giving Justin more leeway to grow up and have natural experiences.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on limit

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