Synonyms of limit

limit 1 of 2

verb

1

as in to restrict

to set bounds or an upper limit for

limit the note to a few words

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restrict
• tighten
• confine
• cap
• hold down
• circumscribe
• hinder
• impede
• block
• suppress
• obstruct
• narrow
• hamper
• modify
• lessen
• number
• bar
• squeeze
• contract
• repress
• constrict
• qualify
• quell
• pinch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exceed
• expand
• broaden
• widen
• overextend
• overreach

2

as in to define

to mark the limits of

adjectives limit the meanings of nouns

Synonyms & Similar Words

• define
• bound
• mark (off)
• delimit
• circumscribe
• describe
• demarcate
• govern
• terminate
• demark
• control
• determine
• delineate

limit

2 of 2

noun

ˈli-mət 

1

as in limitation

a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go

there was no limit to the number of challenges they faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

• limitation
• confines
• boundary
• extent
• end
• line
• cap
• bound
• ceiling
• barrier
• termination
• edge
• border
• margin
• fence
• extremity
• terminus
• wall
• rim
• verge
• outside
• fag end
• restraint
• stop
• hedge
• brim
• bar

2

as in height

the most extreme or advanced point

those bratty kids have pushed my patience to the limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• height
• depth
• extremity
• consummation
• ultimate
• quintessence
• epitome

Synonym Chooser

How is the word limit different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of limit are circumscribe, confine, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When could circumscribe be used to replace limit?

In some situations, the words circumscribe and limit are roughly equivalent. However, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When might confine be a better fit than limit?

While in some cases nearly identical to limit, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When can restrict be used instead of limit?

The words restrict and limit can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of limit

Verb

The airport itself has little control over these issues, but can make some changes, like limiting hours of operation, Klatt said. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026

Their responses were limited to 100 words per question and were lightly edited. —Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Noun

Brown pursued the suspect vehicle for about 14 minutes over roughly 23 miles, then executed a PIT maneuver at nearly 90 mph after supervisors had denied authorization for a high-speed PIT and instructed him to slow below policy limits. —Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026

Tackling difficult things is OK within our limits, but Stanford encourages reaching for routines right now that will stick. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026