as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
There are a limited number of sites these facilities can go, giving local governments an upper hand in negotiations.
—
Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Brouk & Co Pearl Travel Jewelry Case Anything from Oprah’s Favorites list already has an upper hand in White Elephant, and this travel jewelry case proves why.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
But the victory actually gives them an upper hand over the New England Patriots, who were enjoying their bye week.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
Benzaquen said ProphetX’s sports-only strategy gives it an upper hand over bet-on-everything rivals that also offer wagers on elections, economics and pop culture.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Brouk & Co Pearl Travel Jewelry Case Anything from Oprah’s Favorites list already has an upper hand in White Elephant, and this travel jewelry case proves why.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
But the victory actually gives them an upper hand over the New England Patriots, who were enjoying their bye week.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
Benzaquen said ProphetX’s sports-only strategy gives it an upper hand over bet-on-everything rivals that also offer wagers on elections, economics and pop culture.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
The first half was scoreless with Sacramento holding 60% of possession while Tulsa had a 9-3 shot advantage.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Ole Miss jumped out to a 23-2 lead over the Commodores and held a 32-point advantage at the halftime break.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hanson crossed Redwood Creek on a fallen log at the northern edge of the high severity burn, an elastic term that generally means an area where most of the trees are dead.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Most viewers will know that the two main protagonists ultimately become foes, which lends their on-screen relationship an edge amid the banter and bonhomie.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
