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limit

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noun

1
2
as in height
the most extreme or advanced point those bratty kids have pushed my patience to the limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word limit different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of limit are circumscribe, confine, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When could circumscribe be used to replace limit?

In some situations, the words circumscribe and limit are roughly equivalent. However, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When might confine be a better fit than limit?

While in some cases nearly identical to limit, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When can restrict be used instead of limit?

The words restrict and limit can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

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 limit
Verb
Southern legislatures passed more than 450 measures designed to limit, delay, or evade Brown. Essence, 22 Mar. 2025 This is a prime reason for setting a theme, or even delegating tasks instead of dishes to limit the amount of food brought. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
At some lower limit, that term just doesn’t seem to fit. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Cutbacks at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could be smaller, some suspect, since the agency was already facing limits to hiring under the Biden administration. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
Verb
  • The former restricts an individual to two four-year terms of service as president, applying to consecutive and non-consecutive terms.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Primary sanctions restrict local entities from doing business with a targeted country, while secondary tariffs threaten punitive duties or bans on any foreign business or government that deals with the target nation.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As usual, there are trendy bikinis and swimsuits that always ask for space in our closet, little tops meant to save us from the rising temperatures, and the kind of light floral dresses and skirts that define the season.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Speed, reliability and usability will define success.
    Mehdi Daoudi, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes, a prospect will even come back to a sales team that recommended a competitor, appreciating the consultative approach and recognizing the limitations of competitor offerings.
    Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Much more work will be needed to overcome those limitations.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This change makes the full height of the screen available for displaying photos rather than reserving a bar at the bottom just for buttons.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The future of women’s boxing is now, and MVP is proud to lead the charge in taking the sport to unprecedented heights.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Her work addresses important contemporary topics with empathy and depth.
    Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Indeed, the group appears to almost frolic through their proverbial forest, weaving geometric patterns through one another and among white fabric panels which give depth to Cessa’s projections.
    Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The work radiates a rare curiosity and playfulness, slipping between the boundaries of literature, performance, and archaeology.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Lamm is responsible for Chaotic Moon Studios, a software design and development company that pushed the boundaries of digital experiences.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on limit

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