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
For the moment, Turkey has gained the strong upper hand in the current outcome, and Russia, in its hasty retreat, has suffered a devastating loss.
—
Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024
Despite the progress throughout the years, white people have always and continue to have a financial upper hand in society.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 15 July 2024
Compulsive bettors often operate under the illusion of control, thinking that in sports betting, compared to a game of chance like slot machines, their expertise will give them an upper hand.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, The Athletic, 17 Apr. 2024
The increase could be a sign of buyers having an upper hand in the market, said Redfin’s Zhao.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024
Despite the progress throughout the years, white people have always and continue to have a financial upper hand in society.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 15 July 2024
Compulsive bettors often operate under the illusion of control, thinking that in sports betting, compared to a game of chance like slot machines, their expertise will give them an upper hand.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, The Athletic, 17 Apr. 2024
The increase could be a sign of buyers having an upper hand in the market, said Redfin’s Zhao.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
Sam Bennett, who scored twice in Florida’s Game 1 loss, capitalized on the man advantage with the game’s first goal.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
-
Even among guards, the ability for a taller player to see over the defense can be an advantage when making reads.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
In a Venezuelan election, running as an incumbent gives you the sort of edge that any unscrupulous and power-hungry leader around the world can only fantasize about.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
-
The water instead rolls down the fly and through the lower mesh edge, onto the exterior tub floor fabric and onto the ground.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2025
-
When buyers are armed with the information of others who received higher discounts, the software company has no moral high ground or negotiating leverage.—
Chris Mele,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
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
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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 12 Jun. 2025.
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