upper hand

noun

Definition of upper handnext
as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition finally gained the upper hand in the argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
  1. advantage
  2. edge
  3. high ground
Noun
  • Sunday was their highest-scoring opening frame of the season, and their 29-15 lead was their best opening advantage since a 25-10 lead against the Sparks on June 15.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • When jobs change quickly, the ability to learn, adjust, and respond gives you an advantage.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • The scientists used cutting-edge airborne laser scanning technology and found hundreds of previously unknown earthworks.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The edges of your lawn and garden provide the perfect habitat for these plants, while fences and retaining walls can give support to growing poison ivy vines.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • But Camille can’t claim any moral high ground over Juliette either, as the Mayor angrily reminds her.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Yet, trapped within the GOP apparatus, his baseline scenario has always been a predictable squeeze in the primary, caught between conservative purists who view him as too centrist and partisan Democrats who hold the financial high ground.
    — Dain Fitzgerald, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of high ground

Browse Nearby Words

uppercuts
upper hand
upper hands
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Cite this Entry

“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of upper hand for Spanish Speakers

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