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 But this formula has its limitations, as does the price point. Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026 But this limitation applies only to nominations. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 The directors approach this minor limitation by using those copious Brooks appearances from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s almost in conversation with the current version. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026 Researchers reported the experimental realization of single-crystalline θ-phase tantalum nitride (θ-TaN), a metastable transition metal nitride predicted to overcome this limitation. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • Moehlig added that her members, and members of the nationwide coalition that is pushing back against limits on gender-affirming care with lawsuits, believe that concerns over referrals to the Department of Justice are overblown.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Parents frustrated by ticket limits Parents are also voicing concerns.
    Ted Scouten, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Later that month, a judge lifted the restriction and ordered that Hildebrandt must put $100,000 from the potential sale in a bank account for the children, according to ABC7.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Local blackout restrictions for Marlins would be eliminated in that scenario.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, access remains shaped by regulatory thresholds, investor eligibility rules, and platform-specific constraints.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
  • But in the domestic arena, governance by dealmaking faces serious constraints.
    Yuval Levin, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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