as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of upper hand
Liberals will hope that recent shifts in the electorate, along with a potential reaction to Trump, can once again give them an upper hand this year.
—
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2025
Winds poised to intensify, complicating LA wildfire battle Efforts to gain an upper hand against the deadly infernos continue into Monday amid ominous new wind warnings threatening Southern California communities.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
This is particularly so for tailored clothing, where menswear has enjoyed an enduring upper hand.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025
Russia had the clear upper hand in Syria, and Erdogan saw no choice but to work with President Vladimir Putin.
—Gonul Tol, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2025
Winds poised to intensify, complicating LA wildfire battle Efforts to gain an upper hand against the deadly infernos continue into Monday amid ominous new wind warnings threatening Southern California communities.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
This is particularly so for tailored clothing, where menswear has enjoyed an enduring upper hand.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025
Russia had the clear upper hand in Syria, and Erdogan saw no choice but to work with President Vladimir Putin.
—Gonul Tol, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
In fact, Roan’s leaning into them to her advantage, queering the rote masculine country references and taking to task the men who leave their girlfriends with unfinished business.—
Justin Curto,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
-
His death means the Republicans now hold a 218-213 advantage in the House.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Underlying these advances are robust AI infrastructures, such as Stargate and the AI RAN Alliance, which enhance edge computing capabilities.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
In addition, the Pentagon's future stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, will have many of the same cutting edge technologies in advanced materials, AI, propulsion and stealth.—
TARA COPP THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Mar. 2025
-
During those storms, floodwaters surged into the Tulare Lake Basin, submerging roads, breaking through levees and inundating farmlands, where workers rushed to move equipment to high ground.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
There are three young position players — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch and Miguel Amaya — who are certain to be on the Opening Day roster, plus Matt Shaw, who has an inside track.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
The Athletic,
12 Feb. 2025
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Big business has an inside track in the second Trump presidency, and those with a stake in those businesses have reason to rejoice.—
Jeff Sommer,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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