LIMIT Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

limit 1 of 2

verb

Definition of limit next

as in to restrict

to set bounds or an upper limit for limit the note to a few words

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to define

to mark the limits of adjectives limit the meanings of nouns

Synonyms & Similar Words

limit

2 of 2

noun

ˈli-mət

as in limitation

a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go there was no limit to the number of challenges they faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

In his first term, Trump wanted to phase out the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and limit borrower defense, but did not have support from Congress. —

Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 30 Nov. 2024 Traditional methods of programming robots for surgery are time-consuming and limited in scope. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024

Noun

Annual coverage limits range from $5,000 per year to an unlimited option. —

Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024 Combs proposed home confinement in a three-bedroom Upper East Side apartment with 24/7 private security, limits on visitors and restrictions on his communications. —

Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for limit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit

Verb

Water access is limited, with availability restricted to Havasupai Gardens and the Phantom Ranch Canteen.

Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 7 Dec. 2024
In addition, Turley wrote that the federal government also has the leverage to restrict funds to non-cooperative cities, impacting their budgets severely.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024