1
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success
her natural shyness was not a handicap when she played chess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hamper
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handicap
Washington Post, 23 June 2017
One man, who has a handicap, had to escape through a window, according to media reports.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, kansascity.com, 21 June 2017
Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024
If the passing game is potentially handicapped, the Ravens have the luxury of relying more on running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 1,921 yards in 17 games.
—Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for handicap 
Noun
When Britain leaves the EU, British financial services companies would lose the automatic right to operate in all the other 27 EU states, a big handicap.
—Washington Post, 23 June 2017
One man, who has a handicap, had to escape through a window, according to media reports.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, kansascity.com, 21 June 2017
Verb
In the op-ed, Musk, a close adviser of President-elect Trump, argued that Germany’s economy is handicapped by regulatory overreach and bureaucracy.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024
If the passing game is potentially handicapped, the Ravens have the luxury of relying more on running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 1,921 yards in 17 games.
—Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
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However, critics argue that redirecting federal funds to expand school choice could further strain public schools and exacerbate educational inequalities by weakening public schools—and leaving those without access to alternative education options at a disadvantage.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
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The announcement that Facebook will no longer try to combat incorrect information in posts will also put Newsom at a disadvantage, Madrid said.—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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As businesses adapted to new ways of working, obstacles were removed for employees who had previously found their options limited.—
Gene Myers,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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Poor planning can jeopardize access to space, materials, and equipment, leading to obstacles that drain time and money.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Getting the longest of those delays can hamper any chance of beating Tyson in the first round.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
9 Feb. 2025
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Experts in workplace safety have warned that could inhibit them from speaking up about health threats on the job, hampering efforts to stop hazards and illnesses.—
Emily Alpert Reyes,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In a climate where immigrants in the United States continue to face extraordinary hurdles, Tonos believes the struggle can still yield high rewards.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2025
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The project has faced early hurdles: Elon Musk openly split with Trump on the day of its announcement, questioning whether its backers had enough money to fund the project.—
David Jeans,
Forbes,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Driving the news: The freezing of State Department funds is hindering local groups from helping refugees who arrived shortly before the executive order, says Adam Clark, the executive director of World Relief Durham.—
Zachery Eanes,
Axios,
10 Feb. 2025
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Beauty struck a rare sour note during its quarterly report, cutting its full-year guidance in light of a January that the retailer says was hindered by the LA wildfires and fewer makeup tutorials on TikTok.—
Sara Salinas,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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After all, any potential barriers to global trade would be a meaningful hindrance to ocean carriers.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Feb. 2025
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Being led by someone like her, who is passionate about breaking the barriers of Black women, Black people in wine is so important.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appétit,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But Scott’s experience did not impede the ambitions of future Black TV hosts.—
Anita M. Samuels,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2025
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Steps designed to impede access are clearly not in the public interest.—
Mandy Taheri,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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According to Bennett Gershman, a professor at Pace University's law school, free speech protections allow residents to discuss law enforcement in their neighborhoods, but language that actively encourages evasion of authorities could possibly be construed as obstruction of justice.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
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The then-former president was charged with dozens of felony counts, including violations of the espionage act and obstruction of justice.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near handicap
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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