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
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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
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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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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
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
While my colleague, pop music critic Mikael Wood, has handicapped his favorites and underdogs for the 67th edition of the awards show, perhaps his more ambitious project was to rank all 66 songs that previously won record the year.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 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
His extensive injuries handicapped him and robbed him of his quality of life.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
While my colleague, pop music critic Mikael Wood, has handicapped his favorites and underdogs for the 67th edition of the awards show, perhaps his more ambitious project was to rank all 66 songs that previously won record the year.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
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This strategy works well for generic roles but puts startups and small businesses at a disadvantage.—
Sweta Khandelwal,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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The team played the entire second half at a man disadvantage after a Patrick Dorgu red card.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In Court Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Thursday, March 6th ‘Hamilton’ Cancels Kennedy Center Show Run In Protest Of Trump’s ‘Purge’ Despite these obstacles, female founders demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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Trump, much like Putin, sees Ukraine as an inconvenience, an obstacle, something that should be grateful to even have a seat at the table.—
Illia Ponomarenko,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
6 Mar. 2025
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This complexity hampers everything from vulnerability triage to compliance audits, ironically undermining the very protections these tools promise.—
Aviv Mussinger,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Even those who successfully raise initial capital face formidable hurdles in securing follow-on funding, often under pressure to demonstrate rapid growth and immediate profitability—expectations fundamentally misaligned with the long-term nature of early-stage venture building.—
Joseph Edgar,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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The case will face significant hurdles, particularly because Gastineau and Favre are public figures whose interaction was recorded in front of a group of people.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
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Any broad shutdowns of missions, especially entire embassies, would hinder the work of large parts of the federal government and potentially compromise U.S. national security.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Moreover, less than 5% of Brazil’s Black population speaks English — meaning Black founders are typically up against a significant barrier to international opportunities.—
Angelica Mari,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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In addition to kojic acid, this Best of Beauty Award winner includes the brand's signature goat milk, which is rich in fatty acids that help moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier.—
Deanna Pai,
Allure,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Records showed that Worthy had been arrested Friday by deputies and held in the county jail on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking in common terms.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
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Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy was arrested Friday and booked into a central Texas jail on suspicion of assault of a family member by impeding breathing/circulation, according to Williamson County, Texas jail records.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Man threatened, attacked latter carrier over several months The Justice Department became aware of Franklin's actions toward the carrier after the United States Postal Inspection Service received a complaint about Franklin possibly committing threats and obstruction against the employee.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA TODAY,
14 Mar. 2025
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Since the start of 2025, 26 drivers have been injured in traffic incidents in Missouri caused by foreign objects or obstructions in the road, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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