as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of upper hand
Yesterday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that China was holding up the sale, suggesting that China may have an upper hand in TikTok negotiations, and perhaps TikTok is losing its sheen as a US bargaining chip in Trump's bigger trade war.
—
ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
Such facilities have flocked to the state for its competitive operating costs, low natural disaster risk and strong fiber infrastructure, among other advantages.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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What makes the current media landscape particularly compelling is the emergence of a new category that blends the advantages of all three media types.—
Ascend Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Fifth-year edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was also held back by an injury during the spring, took comfort in the support of his teammate.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
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The Dallas Cowboys owner wants his edge rusher suited up and playing with or without an extension in place.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 July 2025
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In the meantime, at the state legislative level, Pritzker and his fellow Democrats can claim no moral high ground whatsoever.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Lampe is the only true fullback on the roster, so that does seem to give the undrafted free agent an inside track for a roster spot.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
22 July 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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