Definition of limitationnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 limitation United Airlines doesn’t have any breed or weight limitations for pets flying in the cabin. — Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Oct. 2026 In the future, if these technical and regulatory limitations can be overcome, the technology could extend far beyond hotels and airports. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026 Despite these limitations, the study indeed offers a more systematic route for exploring complex alloys and designing new quantum materials. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A bigger plan may run into a practical limitation today. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • Real-estate holdings are exempted from the tax so that Proposition 40 can’t be accused of violating Proposition 13’s property-tax limits.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • One of the lawsuits says Fox gave Hall free rein to push the Fox news team into an area he'd been repeatedly warned was off limits.
    — Jennifer Schmidt, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Furthermore, loosening these restrictions risks igniting new supply friction.
    — , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There have been numerous efforts to control campaign spending and the content of political ads, but like water running downhill, politicians manage to get around restrictions.
    — Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Many have been feeling the squeeze as costs for inputs like diesel, fertilizer and seed have soared thanks to refinery constraints and supply disruptions amid the Iran war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In California, municipal utilities face constraints in raising rates under Proposition 218, a ballot initiative passed in 1996 that says fees must reflect the costs of providing service.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!