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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Planning will give insight into necessary regulation and potential limitations on the number of new data centers allowed. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Fervo is different type of next gen, also known as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS, not to be confused with ESG), designed to address the scalability limitations of traditional geothermal. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 May 2026 But its limitations quickly become clear. Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 The tentative agreement would also give workers a one-time $1,500 payment, cap healthcare premium increases, put limitations on layoffs, expand leave and break abilities, add new holidays where workers get premium pay, and place caps on parking increases and other workplace costs. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • The 1000-page night sits on the outer limit of Clarke’s professional life, but identifying that margin is illuminating.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • The bodies were found about 200 feet underwater — roughly twice the legal depth limit for recreational diving in the Maldives, according to the AP.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The order, which escalated the president's bid to place new restrictions on voting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, is being challenged in court.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 May 2026
  • Fans, legislators and even some sports leagues have begun calling for restrictions on gambling ads.
    Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • But, within the constraints of reality, what would actually make that vision work?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Page cited a combination of federal funding cuts, skyrocketing health care costs, diminishing enrollment and more behind the budget constraints, while local teachers cited local investment issues as well.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on limitation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster