limit 1 of 2

verb

Definition of limitnext
1
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
2
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 How to pronounce limit (audio)
1
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
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
At the start of 2026, however, movement here has been limited. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026 Technologies are developed to significantly limit the use of chemicals and use renewable materials wherever possible. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
Where the upper limits of tourism are set will inform pricing in the Gulf. —Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026 Senate Bill 70 would put limits on access to databases and the sharing of information. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit
  1. restrict
  2. define
  3. limitation
  4. height
  5. depth
  6. boundary
Verb
  • Multiple suits challenging the administration’s policies that restrict legal immigration are pending in federal court.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Bauer proposed an amendment to state that a government body shouldn’t take action to prohibit, deny, restrict or interfere with the right to marry based on race, color, ethnicity or national origin.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of restrict
Verb
  • What makes the current moment so striking is that the drift now appears to be reversing, cautiously and without the overexuberance that defined the post-WTO era.
    — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Yet the defining challenges of our era do not respect borders.
    — Alan H.H. Fleischmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of define
Noun
  • The study, which was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, had several limitations, the researchers acknowledged.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Experts say another common and often overlooked limitation of anticoagulants is that even with the newer generation of the drugs, doctors need to take care to prescribe the appropriate drug and dose for a patient.
    — David Cox, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of limitation
Noun
  • The ball of the shoe to the heel has a tapered height, with the heel reaching three inches for a little extra thickness.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Yabusele is a 6-foot-7 forward who makes up for a slight lack of height with a powerful frame and aggressive approach around the basket.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of height
Noun
  • The versatile Max Ortega returns at catcher, a position Dietrich said has depth.
    — Brian Robin, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
  • In a recent interview, Fennell described the film’s restraint as an acknowledgment that her interpretation could never capture the depths of Brontë’s masterwork.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of depth
Noun
  • The researchers warned that while the idea of workers taking on more tasks voluntarily could seem ideal, nonstop work has the potential to lead to problems down the line, including blurring the boundary between work and non-work, as well as burnout and cognitive fatigue.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Be nice about it, of course, but don’t forget that you’re allowed to set boundaries.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of boundary

Browse Nearby Words

liminal
limit
limitation
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Cite this Entry

“Limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limit. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on limit

Nglish: Translation of limit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about limit

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