-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
upper hand
noun
Synonyms
Examples of upper hand in a Sentence
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
Recent Examples on the Web
Morgan says outsiders — like tech entrepreneur Beto Altamirano and former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos — have an upper hand, in part because support among current councilmembers will be split.
—Megan Stringer, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
Devine has upper hand in campaign support, experience Texas is one of eight states where partisan elections govern the selection of justices to the state's highest civil and criminal courts.
—Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Feb. 2024
Republicans led by former President Donald Trump still have an upper hand, largely because the GOP is still seen as the party with stronger free-market allegiances.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
Its products have been credited as key to Turkey gaining an upper hand in its fight against Kurdish militants.
—Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upper hand
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of upper hand was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near upper hand
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper%20hand. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
upper hand
noun
: the position of being ahead or in control
More from Merriam-Webster on upper hand
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share