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 However, there's an important limitation to the Texas investigation. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Explain your limitations in providing what the client wants while offering alternatives if possible. — Mark Berookim, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Because of space limitations in smaller areas like Air Force One and the Oval Office, media outlets take turns serving as pool reporters, with their notes and images distributed to the rest of the press corps. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026 Sony Playstation’s game ownership disputes As more gaming companies rely on subscription systems, video game fans are finding there are limitations to the convenience of renting or downloading titles. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • There’s nothing off limits here, nothing too garish to clash with saxophone and strings.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Existing apartments also would not be subject to the rent limits until five years after they were built.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For instance, the Supreme Court in late October allowed New Hampshire to enforce restrictions on using student identification cards as valid voter IDs.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
  • McKnight ordered the restrictions after the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), which handles certain disciplinary actions involving clergy, issued a penal precept for Kallal.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This is increasingly important as water scarcity places pressure on communities and infrastructure, even in traditionally water-secure regions, leading to restrictions and, in some cases, constraints on power generation.
    — H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Tehran fears that surrendering its maritime leverage first would invite fresh demands; Washington worries that easing pressure would reward coercion without securing lasting constraints on Iran’s nuclear program.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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