handicaps 1 of 2

noun

plural of handicap
1
as in disadvantages
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success her natural shyness was not a handicap when she played chess

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2
as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult her uncomfortable shoes became a handicap on the walking tour of the city, as she often had to sit and rest her sore feet

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handicaps

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of handicap
as in hampers
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the baseball player's small size did not handicap him in the least

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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 handicaps
Noun
Of course, blame Dad for any handicaps. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 May 2026 Despite its handicaps, Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover. — ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026 Young players can be motivated to keep playing more complex games, especially if parents create handicaps that help young kids excel or house rules that are designed for inclusive play. — Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026 The cars' real handicaps were a lack of liquid cooling for the battery packs. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025 Secondary school students in less affluent states will find themselves with substandard educational offerings that may serve as handicaps when those students compete with those who have benefited from enriched educational opportunities provided in wealthier states. — Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 All of the electric buses are equipped with accessories for students with handicaps. — Harley Walls, Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
Warming permanently handicaps the watershed, shrinking the payoff from wet years. — Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026 The San Diego Padres have a lot of money tied up in their star position players, which handicaps them in free agency. — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025 Rams 23, 49ers 20 Lock of the Week Much was made this week about the Bills failing to acquire a wide receiver at the trade deadline and whether that handicaps their Super Bowl chances. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicaps
  1. disadvantages
  2. obstacles
  3. hampers
  4. liabilities
  5. hurdles
  6. hinders
  7. obstructions
  8. impedes
Noun
  • Consider these advantages and disadvantages before choosing an ARM.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Democrats face fundraising disadvantages compared with Republicans, along with financial debt, and Martin has confronted criticism over his stewardship of the party.
    — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of disadvantages
Noun
  • Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Harley has some internal and external obstacles to make that happen.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacles
Verb
  • That marks a 37% increase from the same time last year, as the Iran war hampers oil supply.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The lack of open pores in the soil also hampers the movement of air and water.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hampers
Noun
  • New rules affecting offshore trusts have rattled wealthy families because of requirements to disclose structures and potential tax liabilities, while tighter oversight has also extended to areas including insurance and offshore brokerage accounts.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • As the legislative session nears its end, Newsom’s staff and lawmakers have been negotiating behind closed doors on a deal to limit utilities’ wildfire liabilities.
    — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of liabilities
Noun
  • Secondly, insurance and safety inspections remain critical hurdles.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Buyers still have to qualify financially, and coming up with enough cash to cover the seller's equity can be one of the biggest hurdles.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdles
Verb
  • True commitment allows strategies to develop and succeed, as indecision hinders progress.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Neptune retrograde hinders our intuition, leaving us lost in the fog.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Definition of hinders
Noun
  • Even if a large storm has disrupted power lines or internet access, a high-quality walkie-talkie should transmit your communications, as long as there are no severe obstructions or blockage.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The bar also removed landscaping rocks and other potential obstructions to help water drain away from the property.
    — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstructions
Verb
  • Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor in which an individual willfully disobeys or impedes a congressional investigation.
    — Connor Greene, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of impedes

Browse Nearby Words

handicapping
handicaps
handicraft
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Cite this Entry

“Handicaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicaps. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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