as in advantages
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hands
Noun
-
Those that can’t will be bypassed—regardless of other advantages.—
Pandu Sjahrir,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026 -
Changes to electoral rules, increasing executive branch control over the judiciary, media dominance and the use of state resources give the ruling party structural advantages.—
Nick Spicer,
NPR,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Bieber’s stage was large, roundish, and mostly bare, with a hilly ridge around the edges.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
For a bit more texture, cook until the edges of the whites are browned and crisp.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Upper hands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hands. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
