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
The Northern Sea Route is generally viewed as more developed and regulated, with Moscow investing heavily in infrastructure as part of a broader campaign to gain an upper hand in the Arctic.
—
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Trump has 'upper hand' on Democrats in crime debate, MSNBC guest admits.
—FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Employers regain upper hand in job market There is no longer a wage growth advantage for workers who switch into new jobs, according to research by Bank of America.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2025
At some point, if a contender were to lose a big man to injury, the Bulls could have an upper hand in such a trade, potentially at least secure a first-round pick.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Trump has 'upper hand' on Democrats in crime debate, MSNBC guest admits.
—FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Employers regain upper hand in job market There is no longer a wage growth advantage for workers who switch into new jobs, according to research by Bank of America.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2025
At some point, if a contender were to lose a big man to injury, the Bulls could have an upper hand in such a trade, potentially at least secure a first-round pick.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez was dead against the idea, with his club arguing that breaking the traditional home and away format adulterated the competition, while also expressing concern over participating teams gaining a financial advantage.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the deciding third round, Jandiroba had the edge early on the feet but allowed Dern to land some harder shots late.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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KAConsulting shows a three-point lead (47–44), Quantus Insights finds a two-point edge (48–46), and Trafalgar Group/Insider Advantage reports just a one-point gap (45–44).—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
23 Oct. 2025
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
And letting sift through their hands a potential win that likely would have lifted them into a top-10 ranking and early inside track to one of 12 College Football Playoff berths.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Ethan Del Mastro might have had an inside track for a spot on the blue line when camp opened, but his struggles continued against Detroit.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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