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
His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.
—
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The next three points argue for limitations to patents and copyrights.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
This being an underground space in NYC means there are some space limitations and tight corners.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Wolves fans have seen first-hand how physical limitations can impact play with the recent performances of Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
What are Apple AirTag limitations?
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Economic strain is routine, and budgets are rife with limitations.
—Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
That said, there are some limitations worth noting.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
If scaled successfully, the approach could help address long-standing limitations in battery design, particularly in applications that demand both high energy density and long-term stability.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The next three points argue for limitations to patents and copyrights.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
This being an underground space in NYC means there are some space limitations and tight corners.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Wolves fans have seen first-hand how physical limitations can impact play with the recent performances of Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
What are Apple AirTag limitations?
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Economic strain is routine, and budgets are rife with limitations.
—Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
That said, there are some limitations worth noting.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
If scaled successfully, the approach could help address long-standing limitations in battery design, particularly in applications that demand both high energy density and long-term stability.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitations
Noun
-
Emma Grede, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Good American jeans, said her businesses are being changed by artificial intelligence, though there are some areas that are off limits.—
Francine Lacqua,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Keep it simple, stay within your limits, and choose what actually supports you long term.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Reductions to international student visas and the Big Beautiful Bill’s restrictions on federal student loans also serve to cost universities money.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Several neighboring cities have also eased restrictions.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The interest highlights a broader global scramble for copper, one in which supply constraints are colliding with soaring demand from electric vehicles and power grids.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
By the 1980s, Agüero was among the many filmmakers working in Chile’s growing advertising industry, struggling with the practical constraints of moviemaking under the Pinochet dictatorship while also trying to find his cinematic voice.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Chef Toni Romero isn't afraid to push the boundaries.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
-
While Hitchcock stayed at the Fairmont in San Francisco, cast and crew were housed at the El Rancho Tropicana motel, socialising together after long days of filming, and the boundaries between professional discipline and personal behaviour began to blur.—
Tony Lee Moral,
IndieWire,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitations. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
