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

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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

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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

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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 limitation Managing a nonexistent budget and dealing with the physical limitations of mismatched props and basic high school stage lights constantly threatened to dilute the vision. Coco Mao, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The true figure could be even higher, says Adams, because of some limitations in the data and the conservative nature of our analysis. Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Yet a direct substitution can preserve many of the limitations of the process it is intended to improve. Alice Tonello, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 Bidets can also allow people with physical limitations to clean themselves independently, reducing the workload of caregivers, most of whom are women. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • The pre-tax dependent care account limit rises to $7,500 for 2026, covering elder care.
    Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Over the last decade, hundreds of homes have burned down near the outer limits of Lisbon, Milan and other European cities, including scores this summer outside Madrid and Athens.
    Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Those restrictions formally sunset in 2022, but so far only Sony has done a major deal for cinemas, acquiring all 35 Alamo Drafthouse locations in 2024.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And at the state level, Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) in February introduced AB 2595, which would allow San Mateo County to impose age restrictions for e-bike riders under 12 years old in its jurisdiction.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At coarser levels, CBS detects and matches SIFT features while using epipolar constraints to estimate horizontal and vertical disparities.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Huang said that if not for these constraints, revenue growth next year would be even greater.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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