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
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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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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
Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
And, of course, all the recession handicapping now hinges on the tariff aggression remaining in place, something that could change quickly if the administration opens an exit ramp.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 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
The European Commission estimates that around 182,000 innovative small and medium-sized companies could benefit from this proposal, essentially eliminating the regulatory fragmentation that has historically handicapped European scaling efforts.
—Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
And, of course, all the recession handicapping now hinges on the tariff aggression remaining in place, something that could change quickly if the administration opens an exit ramp.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
-
Here are the key advantages and disadvantages to consider before incorporating AI into your job search strategy.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
-
There is such a variety of options for manicures, and each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages.—
Rebecca Dancer,
Allure,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
The branches of the military, which maintain their own communication networks, have their own obstacles.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
For Superman, that means preventing any of the negatives that do initially arise from becoming obstacles or bandwagon narratives in the press.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Scaling its use requires overcoming hurdles related to the transportation of bulky materials, establishing local milling facilities and securing access to renewable energy.—
Sahit Muja,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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Operating the scanner on the dharanis presented a hurdle, however.—
Andrew Paul Jul 24,
Popular Science,
24 July 2025
Verb
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While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Dry thunderstorms and gusty winds are hindering firefighting efforts and increasing fire risk.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Cities in eastern Contra Costa County, including Antioch and Pittsburg, are expected to break the 100-degree barrier on Thursday and then perhaps again on Friday, while Concord is expected to peak at 99 on Friday.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
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According to WisDOT, as part of the planning process, noise analyses identified areas where the barriers would reduce traffic noise by at least eight decibels.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
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Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Julie was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
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Examples of Clean Team’s work Coronado cited an example of the Clean Team’s work is removing overhanging tree limbs in the right-of-way to maintain visibility and function for pedestrians and drivers, along with making sure sidewalks are free of obstructions.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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