as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of upper hand
Liberals will hope that recent shifts in the electorate, along with a potential reaction to Trump, can once again give them an upper hand this year.
—
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2025
Winds poised to intensify, complicating LA wildfire battle Efforts to gain an upper hand against the deadly infernos continue into Monday amid ominous new wind warnings threatening Southern California communities.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
This is particularly so for tailored clothing, where menswear has enjoyed an enduring upper hand.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025
Russia had the clear upper hand in Syria, and Erdogan saw no choice but to work with President Vladimir Putin.
—Gonul Tol, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2025
Winds poised to intensify, complicating LA wildfire battle Efforts to gain an upper hand against the deadly infernos continue into Monday amid ominous new wind warnings threatening Southern California communities.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
This is particularly so for tailored clothing, where menswear has enjoyed an enduring upper hand.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025
Russia had the clear upper hand in Syria, and Erdogan saw no choice but to work with President Vladimir Putin.
—Gonul Tol, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
What are the advantages of planting grass seed in the fall instead of spring?—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2025
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After storming back from down double-digits in the second half, Kansas had multiple opportunities to maintain and build on an advantage.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Resolution on Joey Bosa, the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who is mulling interest from Miami.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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The inability to find a disruptive pass rusher and the lack of game-changing edge rushers still available would suggest trading him would be even more detrimental to the hopes of resuscitating the pass rush.—
Paul Dehner Jr.,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Mar. 2025
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Now, Hollywood has an opportunity to follow in Warner's footsteps and take a moral high ground.—
Chris Yogerst / Made by History,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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There are three young position players — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch and Miguel Amaya — who are certain to be on the Opening Day roster, plus Matt Shaw, who has an inside track.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
The Athletic,
12 Feb. 2025
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Big business has an inside track in the second Trump presidency, and those with a stake in those businesses have reason to rejoice.—
Jeff Sommer,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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