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
The Virginia measure became a turning point, Jeffries’ biggest swing yet, putting Democrats essentially at parity, if not a potential upper hand in the number of seats gained, and shifting Old Dominion more securely into the party’s column.
—
Lisa Mascaro,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Does that give an upper hand to British Hamnet star Joe Alwyn?
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
The Virginia measure became a turning point, Jeffries' biggest swing yet, putting Democrats essentially at parity, if not a potential upper hand in the number of seats gained, and shifting Old Dominion more securely into the party’s column.
—
ABC News,
14 May 2026
Trump has wielded the ceasefire as a carrot and stick, issuing peace overtures one day and threats the next day, all in an attempt to get an upper hand in the negotiations.
—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Lisa Mascaro,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Does that give an upper hand to British Hamnet star Joe Alwyn?
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
The Virginia measure became a turning point, Jeffries' biggest swing yet, putting Democrats essentially at parity, if not a potential upper hand in the number of seats gained, and shifting Old Dominion more securely into the party’s column.
—
ABC News,
14 May 2026
Trump has wielded the ceasefire as a carrot and stick, issuing peace overtures one day and threats the next day, all in an attempt to get an upper hand in the negotiations.
—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
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The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
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Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
Noun
-
The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
-
Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
Noun
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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