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limit

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noun

1
2
as in height
the most extreme or advanced point those bratty kids have pushed my patience to the limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 limit
Verb
But quelling counter-attacks in one direction generally limits them in the other too. Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 For the Howards, renovations are a chance to bring the house back to life—not just limit the damage wrought by the fire 85 years ago. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
If all of those hold true, that puts the Patriots six players over the 90-man roster limit. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 28 Apr. 2025 The standard residential plan has no firm data cap and no allotted data limit for full-speed service. PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
Verb
  • Since the protests a year ago, the university has heavily restricted campus access, drawing a lawsuit from neighbors in Manhattan who say Columbia is violating city and state laws permitting a passageway through campus.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Over the past two months, the state Senate has passed bills seeking to drastically restrict where wind and solar can be built, and to require every watt of new solar that is brought online to be accompanied by a watt of new gas.
    Saul Elbein, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Non-discrimination practices were defined as interventions like diversity training.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • So, how exactly do brands arrive at the perfect shade to define the year ahead?
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Read product labels for specific uses and limitations.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Elderly adults are more susceptible to diseases, impairments and mobility limitations that require prescription drugs and accessories like walkers, shower seats, incontinence products, pacemakers and insulin pumps.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Data was collected on the participants' eating and lifestyle habits, blood pressure, medical history, and height and weight.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • To see the ceremony from this height was to see how little the Vatican changes.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is a team that has quality goaltending and legitimate blue-line depth.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Clove and orange peel bookend a series of scents that prominently feature that sherry influence without getting lost in it; there’s some noteworthy depth here owing to both the distillate and the casks.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Art Across Boundaries Since a young age, Yi Ming has been passionate about the power the visual arts possess to transcend not only philosophical and disciplinary boundaries, but also cultural and national borders.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Without the boundaries of a traditional office, remote workers can easily blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to distractions, procrastination, or even burnout.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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