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 More recently, researchers developed a newer method of geolocation that uses atmospheric pressure to circumvent these limitations. Stephanie Szarmach, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026 Sometimes, a technical limitation actually leads us to find a stronger visual solution. Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 In addition to the laser system's own limitations, there are risks to using it near civilians. Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026 His mother, hemmed in by poverty and the limitations of gender, had a dramatic personality and thought nothing of expressing her rage. Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • If someone wants to split a cost, state your limit before agreeing.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • New York City just instituted a sweeping ban on schools using AI in the classroom through the start of high school, along with other restrictions on the technology.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Rosaviatsiya -- announced temporary flight restrictions at airports in Sochi, Gelendzhik, Penza, Saratov, Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Cities face tighter power constraints Urban regulations can significantly reduce the number of locations available for large energy projects.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • That agreement remains unimplemented due to what the government has termed budgetary constraints.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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