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 The White House later said there was no evidence of a national security threat but acknowledged the episode exposed limitations in authorities to track and respond to unidentified drones near sensitive locations. Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 The report also highlights significant limitations in the airport’s safety systems. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 His latest work, The Urgency of Indigenous Values—available via JSTOR’s Path to Open program—not only examines the origins, wisdom, and pertinence of Haudenosaunee beliefs, but also confronts the inherent limitations of such examination. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026 But this model, known as equilibrium condensation, has limitations. Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • Set limits around time, energy, or spending so things don’t get messy.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Clearly, there’s no limit to Ellison’s ambitions.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Federal education funds, by law, come with mandates and restrictions.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Between parking restrictions and road closures, Boston is encouraging Marathon Monday visitors to walk, bike, take the T — anything but drive — to watch the runners or attend the day’s festivities.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Putting aside any adults-only constraint, that principle also would be in effect, even when kids might pass by that book sitting on that shelf.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • As noted in a report from TWZ, the aircraft’s proportions indicate it is sized to fit within the constraints of a supercarrier deck while carrying a substantial weapons load.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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