Definition of limitationnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it

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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages

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3
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents

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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 limitation One side argues that AI is a geopolitical race to be won and that any limitations merely serve to slow down progress. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 14 July 2026 Unforeseen complications have since required Finch, 59, to undergo multiple surgeries, resulting in significant physical limitations and the need for extensive ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home assistance. Spin Staff, SPIN, 13 July 2026 Today on Short Wave, how some researchers are finding ways to get around those limitations. Rebecca Ramirez, NPR, 13 July 2026 Plants that aren’t a problem in one place can quickly grow out of control in another area without the natural competition or environmental limitations found in their native habitats. Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • Gas stations across Russia are imposing limits on purchases, CNN’s analysis found, with fuel- tracking websites popping up to guide drivers to the best spots to fill up.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • People who were enrolled in graduate school and received a federal loan before July 1 will not face the new limits, according to the Education Department.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Leading the list is the United States’ third-country refugee agreements and the Citizenship by Investment program, which both Washington and the European Union have now linked to visa restrictions.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • After a one-year break due to war travel restrictions, the Americans trounced the Nationals 12-0 at Fenway Park, the most one-sided of the All-Star games.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Newsom trimmed California’s initial commitment to local newsrooms in the program’s first year from $100 million, with $55 million coming from Google, to $10 million, from the state and Google each, in response to budgetary constraints.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • The company's approach could address one of the central constraints facing Apple's AI strategy.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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