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
Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
And, never forget, while fiscal policy and economic stewardship matter quite a bit for the country — and Wall Street has been obsessed with handicapping the sequence and efficacy of Trumponomics 2.0 – policies’ interplay with equity-market performance is both tenuous and unpredictable.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 21 Jan. 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
That would handicap them financially in the pursuit of a star first baseman.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
And, never forget, while fiscal policy and economic stewardship matter quite a bit for the country — and Wall Street has been obsessed with handicapping the sequence and efficacy of Trumponomics 2.0 – policies’ interplay with equity-market performance is both tenuous and unpredictable.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
-
The Magic’s ineptitude puts them at a severe disadvantage on most nights.—
Josh Robbins,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
-
On Reddit, a new mom ranted about how working conditions in corporate America put parents at a disadvantage.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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As a result, digital health companies such as Hims & Hers have been prescribing compounded semaglutide as an alternative for patients who are navigating volatile supply hurdles and insurance obstacles.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2025
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Build out a timeline, address potential obstacles and decide who owns each task.—
Ricky Muddimer,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Limiting the federal funding would hamper Medicaid's ability to help states during difficult economic times, when demand for coverage rises with falling employment and incomes, while states also have fewer tax dollars to spend.—
Phil Galewitz,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2025
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Financing the film was an early hurdle for Molayemi and Sohani.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2025
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Their restaurant group, Strategic Hospitality, helps manage those practical hurdles and provides access to resources from accounting to HR.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately hindered international rescue efforts after the Kursk submarine sank in 2000 in order to protect his country's nuclear secrets, Bill Clinton has alleged.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
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Automated feedback tools can further enhance engagement by providing instant responses to students, eliminating delays that traditionally hinder progress.—
Balaji Soundararajan,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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From Marian Anderson breaking racial barriers in 1939 to Dr. King inspiring millions in 1963 and modern activists continuing the fight for justice today, the Lincoln Memorial stands as a monument to progress, resilience, and hope.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
16 Feb. 2025
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If the throngs of fans lining the barriers of the red carpet were anything to go by (their screams were audible from the water), Thailand certainly loves Lisa back.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
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Without such reform, unmanageable debt will continue to impede these countries from investing in domestic green industrial strategies or in other measures to prevent and respond to climate, health, and other emergencies.—
Mariana Mazzucato,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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They were both booked into jail on multiple felony counts of obstruction of justice in connection with the death of Johnson, according to police.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
18 Feb. 2025
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Julie Chrisley was also convicted on a count of obstruction of justice.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
8 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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