as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 upper hand
Yesterday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that China was holding up the sale, suggesting that China may have an upper hand in TikTok negotiations, and perhaps TikTok is losing its sheen as a US bargaining chip in Trump's bigger trade war.
—
ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
In a back and forth game, the Pioneers got an upper hand and secured an 52-44 victory.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025
In a Game 5 rout in Toronto, Tkachuk’s line was dominant, with a 16-3 advantage on attempts, a 9-1 edge on scoring chances, a 71 percent expected goal share and a 1-0 upper hand on goals, with Tkachuk assisting on Dmitry Kulikov’s winner.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Catch Up On The Story Stars, Mikko Rantanen gain upper hand on Jets with Game 3 victory: Takeaways
The Stars scored three third-period goals to break a tie and earn a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 2-1 series lead.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
In a back and forth game, the Pioneers got an upper hand and secured an 52-44 victory.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025
In a Game 5 rout in Toronto, Tkachuk’s line was dominant, with a 16-3 advantage on attempts, a 9-1 edge on scoring chances, a 71 percent expected goal share and a 1-0 upper hand on goals, with Tkachuk assisting on Dmitry Kulikov’s winner.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Catch Up On The Story Stars, Mikko Rantanen gain upper hand on Jets with Game 3 victory: Takeaways
The Stars scored three third-period goals to break a tie and earn a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 2-1 series lead.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
Such facilities have flocked to the state for its competitive operating costs, low natural disaster risk and strong fiber infrastructure, among other advantages.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
-
What makes the current media landscape particularly compelling is the emergence of a new category that blends the advantages of all three media types.—
Ascend Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
-
There, leaning against the edge of his desk, dressed in his trademark grey suit, is the first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 July 2025
-
In the meantime, at the state legislative level, Pritzker and his fellow Democrats can claim no moral high ground whatsoever.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Lampe is the only true fullback on the roster, so that does seem to give the undrafted free agent an inside track for a roster spot.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
22 July 2025
-
With not a lot of clarity on certain placements on the depth chart above them, there could be an inside track with a strong start in Oxnard.—
Nick Harris
July 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share