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
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
The sellers have the slight upper hand as the major indices test import long term areas of support.
—Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
So that gave us an opportunity to gain more of an upper hand on the fire.
—Stepheny Price, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025
Yankees like Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Austin Wells will perhaps have an early upper hand with the new bats.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The sellers have the slight upper hand as the major indices test import long term areas of support.
—Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
So that gave us an opportunity to gain more of an upper hand on the fire.
—Stepheny Price, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025
Yankees like Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Austin Wells will perhaps have an early upper hand with the new bats.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
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Yet Crawley carved out her niche not through aggressive marketing spend but through product innovation that photographs well—a crucial advantage in the Instagram economy.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Kansas State has beaten the Jayhawks 16 straight times, but Missouri owns a razor-thin advantage in the Border War.—
Blake Toppmeyer,
The Tennessean,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Periphery, fresh off their 2025 release Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre, will bring their signature technical wizardry to the tour, while Honey Revenge, whose debut album Retrograde Heart has been praised for its infectious hooks and alternative edge, will add an exciting contrast to the lineup.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
9 July 2025
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This flutter-sleeve top is roomy and billowy for low-key summer days, while this denim jacket has floral details, giving it a feminine edge other toppers lack.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 July 2025
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
22 June 2025
Noun
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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
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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 15 Jul. 2025.
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