UPPER HAND Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

upper hand

noun

Definition of upper hand next

as in advantage

the more favorable condition or position in a competition finally gained the upper hand in the argument

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of upper hand Seven candidates for California governor crowded a CNN debate stage in East Los Angeles on Tuesday, spending much of the two hours sparring and strategizing to gain an upper hand in a race that still remains fluid. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 May 2026 My colleague Nancy Youssef, a staff writer who covers the Pentagon and has been reporting on the negotiations, told me that this time, Iran has a clear upper hand. —

Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 The experience creep phenomenon is particularly acute in tech, which is the softest of sectors in terms of hiring, giving employers a firm upper hand. —

Claire Zillman, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026 Because with Ben at the Helm(rath), there’s a significant upper hand. —

Keith Stewart, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upper hand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand

Noun

For one thing, that extra speed—plus a spike in spin, which has allowed pitchers to throw harder while also making the ball swerve, dive, and kick—has given pitchers an even greater advantage over batters than before.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Lennard scored a late touchdown in the second quarter and had a 6-0 advantage at halftime.

— Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2026