as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
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Recent Examples of upper hand
In a back and forth game, the Pioneers got an upper hand and secured an 52-44 victory.
—
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025
In a Game 5 rout in Toronto, Tkachuk’s line was dominant, with a 16-3 advantage on attempts, a 9-1 edge on scoring chances, a 71 percent expected goal share and a 1-0 upper hand on goals, with Tkachuk assisting on Dmitry Kulikov’s winner.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Catch Up On The Story Stars, Mikko Rantanen gain upper hand on Jets with Game 3 victory: Takeaways
The Stars scored three third-period goals to break a tie and earn a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 2-1 series lead.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The sellers have the slight upper hand as the major indices test import long term areas of support.
—Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025
In a Game 5 rout in Toronto, Tkachuk’s line was dominant, with a 16-3 advantage on attempts, a 9-1 edge on scoring chances, a 71 percent expected goal share and a 1-0 upper hand on goals, with Tkachuk assisting on Dmitry Kulikov’s winner.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Catch Up On The Story Stars, Mikko Rantanen gain upper hand on Jets with Game 3 victory: Takeaways
The Stars scored three third-period goals to break a tie and earn a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 2-1 series lead.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The sellers have the slight upper hand as the major indices test import long term areas of support.
—Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
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Such facilities have flocked to the state for its competitive operating costs, low natural disaster risk and strong fiber infrastructure, among other advantages.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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What makes the current media landscape particularly compelling is the emergence of a new category that blends the advantages of all three media types.—
Ascend Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Crews on the Dragon Bravo Fire planned to build a fire line along Forest Road 610 on the northeastern edge of the fire, according to the southwest team.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
21 July 2025
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Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Noun
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On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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To reduce the risk of being struck by lightning, the National Weather Service instructs people to immediately move away from high ground, including hills, mountain ridges or peaks.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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With not a lot of clarity on certain placements on the depth chart above them, there could be an inside track with a strong start in Oxnard.—
Nick Harris
July 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 July 2025
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Operating in such a variable market requires local and regional expertise, as lenders with boots on the ground often have an inside track on conditions and opportunities unique to a specific community and properties.—
Sam Sidhu,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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