as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
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Recent Examples of upper hand
In a back and forth game, the Pioneers got an upper hand and secured an 52-44 victory.
—
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025
In a Game 5 rout in Toronto, Tkachuk’s line was dominant, with a 16-3 advantage on attempts, a 9-1 edge on scoring chances, a 71 percent expected goal share and a 1-0 upper hand on goals, with Tkachuk assisting on Dmitry Kulikov’s winner.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Catch Up On The Story Stars, Mikko Rantanen gain upper hand on Jets with Game 3 victory: Takeaways
The Stars scored three third-period goals to break a tie and earn a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 2-1 series lead.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The sellers have the slight upper hand as the major indices test import long term areas of support.
—Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025
In a Game 5 rout in Toronto, Tkachuk’s line was dominant, with a 16-3 advantage on attempts, a 9-1 edge on scoring chances, a 71 percent expected goal share and a 1-0 upper hand on goals, with Tkachuk assisting on Dmitry Kulikov’s winner.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Catch Up On The Story Stars, Mikko Rantanen gain upper hand on Jets with Game 3 victory: Takeaways
The Stars scored three third-period goals to break a tie and earn a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 2-1 series lead.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The sellers have the slight upper hand as the major indices test import long term areas of support.
—Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
Analysis by German football correspondent Sebastian Stafford-Bloor Tillman has some advantages.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
-
Yet Crawley carved out her niche not through aggressive marketing spend but through product innovation that photographs well—a crucial advantage in the Instagram economy.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Periphery, fresh off their 2025 release Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre, will bring their signature technical wizardry to the tour, while Honey Revenge, whose debut album Retrograde Heart has been praised for its infectious hooks and alternative edge, will add an exciting contrast to the lineup.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
9 July 2025
-
The tiles are made from non-toxic, BPA-free plastic with smooth, rounded edges.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
To reduce the risk of being struck by lightning, the National Weather Service instructs people to immediately move away from high ground, including hills, mountain ridges or peaks.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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With not a lot of clarity on certain placements on the depth chart above them, there could be an inside track with a strong start in Oxnard.—
Nick Harris
July 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 July 2025
-
Operating in such a variable market requires local and regional expertise, as lenders with boots on the ground often have an inside track on conditions and opportunities unique to a specific community and properties.—
Sam Sidhu,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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