as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
Those who embrace these technologies now will likely find themselves with a considerable advantage in the increasingly competitive digital landscape.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
And Osceola will continue to have homecourt advantage in the Finals against Stockton.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
According to Nobel prize-winning economist, Eugene Fama, smaller companies and cheaper companies tend to have an edge over larger, more expensive companies over time.—
Cicely Jones,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
The brass hardware gives it a hint of an edge to balance out the rustic wood, while the scalloped details on the doors adds some whimsy to the mix.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Time and again, when a regulation is proposed, one group takes some moral high ground.—
Bruce Yandle,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Fairchild is out of options, which could give him an inside track.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share