1
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success
her natural shyness was not a handicap when she played chess
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
her uncomfortable shoes became a handicap on the walking tour of the city, as she often had to sit and rest her sore feet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the baseball player's small size did not handicap him in the least
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handicap
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
In North Carolina, handicap placards and specialty license plates allow those with mobility impairments to parktheir vehicles closer to a destination.
—Evan Moore
august 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
The implications will likely emerge sporadically over a span of years and are not particularly useful for handicapping the market’s immediate prospects from here.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Noun
That makes this a tough club to handicap.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
In North Carolina, handicap placards and specialty license plates allow those with mobility impairments to parktheir vehicles closer to a destination.
—Evan Moore
august 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Depth was thin by the end of the season, and the group’s performance handicapped what could have been a stellar season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
The implications will likely emerge sporadically over a span of years and are not particularly useful for handicapping the market’s immediate prospects from here.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
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But Target is at a disadvantage trying to compete in shipping online orders with Amazon – the behemoth of the trade – and Walmart, which jumped out to a big lead over Target as Amazon’s biggest shipping competitor.—
Dan Gingiss,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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But families who cannot afford to hire an attorney could find themselves at a disadvantage when disagreements arise over services that cost districts more money, Russell said.—
Fred Clasen-Kelly,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This means that fuel cells can, theoretically, operate without the infrastructure problems of electric or hydrogen vehicles, but the real obstacle is achieving sheer power in a light, compact engine that is compliant with existing regulations.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
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This enables the robot to figure out its precise navigation and obstacle avoidance coordinates, with an accuracy down to 2 centimeters.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, the two-time WNBA MVP looked hampered by the injury, scoring just six points in 20 minutes on the court.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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For a franchise placing its future on the development of young players, the timing of the injuries is a hurdle.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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As a result, same-sex couples continue to face other challenges in other aspects of daily life, from visiting their partner at hospitals to raising children, hurdles that families in many other global financial capitals that look to attract top talent no longer face.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Although dry air and other unfavorable atmospheric conditions have recently hindered development, the disturbance is expected to move into a more favorable environment later this week, giving it a better chance to become organized.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, the complexity of integrating disparate systems and ensuring compliance with regional regulations can hinder the seamless delivery of messages.—
Ivan Ostojić,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Mitigating these risks requires careful planning and compliance, which creates barriers for many.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The order also directs CDPHE to collaborate with other state agencies and offices to identify and remove barriers to vaccination, ensure state health insurance plans and Medicaid cover COVID-19 vaccines and review and revise rules to ensure pharmacies can provide COVID-19 vaccines.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
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The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Tyler Robinson was also arrested on charges of obstruction of justice and the felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, authorities said.—
Bobby Allyn,
NPR,
14 Sep. 2025
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Since then, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been taken into custody and is charged with murder, obstruction, and felony firearm charges after allegedly shooting Kirk from a nearby building while the right-wing activist was speaking at a college event in Utah.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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