Synonyms of upper hand

upper hand

noun

as in advantage

the more favorable condition or position in a competition

finally gained the upper hand in the argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

• advantage
• edge
• high ground
• opportunity
• odds
• whip hand
• inside track
• coign of vantage
• jump
• stead
• better
• vantage
• catbird seat
• start
• bulge
• pull
• privilege
• drop
• margin
• leg up
• lead
• head start
• superiority
• allowance
• dominance
• transcendence
• benefit
• ascendancy
• predominance
• prerogative
• mastery
• precedence
• supremacy
• preference
• transcendency
• foothold
• seniority
• command
• windfall
• godsend
• blessing
• break
• felicity
• manna
• boon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minus
• liability
• penalty
• strike
• disadvantage
• drawback
• detriment
• handicap
• inequality
• imbalance
• disparity
• disability
• let
• failing
• impairment
• interference
• obstruction
• shortcoming
• stop
• bar
• obstacle
• stranglehold
• check
• impediment
• catch
• unevenness
• embarrassment
• rub
• hindrance
• hurdle
• hitch
• setback
• clog
• shackle
• crimp
• trammel
• lurch
• manacle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of upper hand

Pollsters say that trend means the GOP could maintain a slight upper hand in state capitals heading into the fall. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 18 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. — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 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