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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 of the most serious potential debt lawsuit outcomes is a frozen bank account, but there are limitations to this tactic. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 The primary limitation lies in generalization, the ability of robots to perform reliably across diverse, unpredictable environments. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026 More than 65 million Americans live with some form of disability, including roughly 13 percent with a significant mobility limitation. Tim Neville, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026 The proposal may also face practical limitations. Meghan Portfolio, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • Several reform bills — including the SAFE Act, the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act, and the Government Surveillance Reform Act — have been introduced as alternatives that would impose stricter limits on how data of Americans can be accessed.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
  • In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that prohibits cities and counties from creating their own heat exposure protections for outdoor workers—a move critics say limits local efforts to address extreme working conditions.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But others told me that an atmosphere of self-censorship and anxiety about unwritten restrictions, had become routine in the industry.
    Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • But Aaron Barker, president of the AFGE Local 554 in Georgia, said TSA officer unions don't have the same restrictions and can accept donations to distribute to their members.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • However, their work now takes place as the Iran war creates serious supply constraints for essential fertilizer products — fueling massive price spikes and warnings of looming food insecurity.
    Chloe Taylor,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
  • One of the biggest constraints Landowner introduced when recording Assumption was relieving drummer Josh Daniel of his longtime producer duties.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

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