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
But instead, Beijing exploited this opening to consolidate control, get rich, and gain the economic upper hand over other countries.
—
A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
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Do rules reflect actual AI usage patterns among teens? Equity Access: Can all students access the same AI tools, or do policies create advantages for families with premium subscriptions?—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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The teams are ranked third and fourth in the Western Conference standings, with Minnesota holding a three-point advantage with 41 points.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The square stones have rounded edges to prevent scratching, and there’s no unpleasant metallic taste.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
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The Diamondbacks were given a slight edge on betting lines to win more games than the Padres.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 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,
7 Aug. 2025
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Advertisement In the event of a tsunami warning, people are advised to evacuate immediately and move to high ground and as far inland as possible (at least 100 ft above sea level or one mile inland), and follow the instructions of local authorities.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Wide receiver Josh Moore: The West Broward alumnus is another local product who has an inside track to produce early in his Hurricanes tenure.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
2 Aug. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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