limitations

Definition of limitationsnext
plural of limitation
1
as in limits
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in restrictions
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in constraints
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 limitations Moriarty maintains that assessing whether charges are necessary would not be impossible despite the limitations. Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026 The chatbot said the limitations were implemented to prevent further misuse. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026 Serving in the minority party typically comes with its limitations, especially with Republicans’ political trifecta of the White House and both chambers of Congress. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026 In the follow-up to his first novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, Saunders again uses the liminal space between life and death — and a specter nostalgic for life as a guide — to examine grief, guilt, and the expanses and limitations of empathy. Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026 The union also wants limitations on hospitals’ use of artificial intelligence. Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 Fan art is often different and more unique because there are no limitations or restrictions to what fans can create. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026 The call also embodied the defense’s limitations. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 Mobility devices used by people with physical limitations, however, are exempt from any prohibition in Burleson parks. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitations
Noun
  • Note that this bag is larger than most of the others on this list, and may not fit in the overhead bin on all airlines—always be sure to check your airline’s baggage limits directly!
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But studies also found that within a few years the vast majority of seafood caught off the Northeast Coast of Japan was below Japan’s strict radiation limits.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Supporters of restrictions argue that institutional investors often outbid would-be homeowners competing for the same homes, particularly in fast-growing markets.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado previously expressed intent to reform these hydrocarbon laws to increase foreign investment by getting rid of ownership restrictions.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • As somebody who has served in ICE and understands the importance of conducting immigration enforcement in as safe and nonpublic way as possible, picking people up from prisons and jails is a huge piece of ICE doing its job well and within reasonable constraints.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Researchers say the work could dramatically expand the range of treatable cancers and genetic diseases by overcoming long-standing data and technical constraints in gene therapy.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jeff Brady, executive director of communications for the district, said Tiger Team Two met at least once a month from September to December to discuss and evaluate school enrollment, the capacity and upkeep and condition of each campus, finances and boundaries for each school.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The vice president of the United States is telling all federal law enforcement officers that there are no boundaries to their conduct while on duty.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitations. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on limitations

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!