limitation

noun

ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio)
Definition of limitationnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it

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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents

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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 limitation The accounts have a growth period before a child turns 18, then becomes a traditional IRA with all standard IRA limitations. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 July 2026 By using acoustic detection and ranging (ADAR) technology, the sensor overcomes the blind spots and height limitations of conventional 2D safety systems. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Last December, the city of Miami approved an ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo establishing an overnight anchoring limitation area within portions of Biscayne Bay. — Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 Limited data nationwide The case of Florida reveals some of the structural limitations with K-12 education data and measuring student academic achievement. — Kendall Deas, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
  1. limit
  2. restriction
  3. constraint
Noun
  • Gas stations across Russia are imposing limits on purchases, CNN’s analysis found, with fuel- tracking websites popping up to guide drivers to the best spots to fill up.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • People who were enrolled in graduate school and received a federal loan before July 1 will not face the new limits, according to the Education Department.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of limit
Noun
  • Leading the list is the United States’ third-country refugee agreements and the Citizenship by Investment program, which both Washington and the European Union have now linked to visa restrictions.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • After a one-year break due to war travel restrictions, the Americans trounced the Nationals 12-0 at Fenway Park, the most one-sided of the All-Star games.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • The pair had been in talks with traditional studios about a few of their ideas, but timeline constraints and the potential loss of creative control steered them away.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Bieber’s inclusion in the FIFA Halftime Show – the first in the World Cup tournament’s nearly 100-year history – adds to an overwhelmingly starry lineup given the time constraints.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of constraint

Browse Nearby Words

limit
limitation
limitations
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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on limitation

Nglish: Translation of limitation for Spanish Speakers

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