as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
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Recent Examples of upper hand
Employers regain upper hand in job market There is no longer a wage growth advantage for workers who switch into new jobs, according to research by Bank of America.
—
Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2025
At some point, if a contender were to lose a big man to injury, the Bulls could have an upper hand in such a trade, potentially at least secure a first-round pick.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2025
Issa’s current 48th District already includes much of East County and a bit of southern Riverside, which would seemingly give him an upper hand in the GOP musical chairs.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Because also at that point Jamie — not that there is an upper hand — but has had the upper hand over Anna.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2025
At some point, if a contender were to lose a big man to injury, the Bulls could have an upper hand in such a trade, potentially at least secure a first-round pick.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2025
Issa’s current 48th District already includes much of East County and a bit of southern Riverside, which would seemingly give him an upper hand in the GOP musical chairs.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Because also at that point Jamie — not that there is an upper hand — but has had the upper hand over Anna.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
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Boomsma said any traits the ants have evolved are adaptations driven by natural selection, and creating fitter hybrid workers provided a competitive advantage, allowing Iberian harvester ants to extend their range vastly.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
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The Wave now hold a 6-2-1 advantage in the all-time regular season series.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The attack was widely condemned in the Middle East and beyond as an act that could escalate tensions in a region already on edge.—
Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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On the other hand, edge computing will gain, too.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Arshdeep Bains is no longer waiver exempt and would seem to have an inside track at earning a roster spot.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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Wide receiver Josh Moore: The West Broward alumnus is another local product who has an inside track to produce early in his Hurricanes tenure.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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