LIMIT Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'limit' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of limit are circumscribe , confine , and restrict . While all these words mean "to set bounds for," limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go. // visits are limited to 30 minutes

Q: When could 'circumscribe' be used to replace 'limit'?

In some situations, the words circumscribe and limit are roughly equivalent. However, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries. // the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

Q: When might 'confine' be a better fit than 'limit'?

While in some cases nearly identical to limit , confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering. // our choices were confined by finances

Q: When can 'restrict' be used instead of 'limit'?

The words restrict and limit can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary. // laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

limit 1 of 2

verb

Definition of limit next

as in to restrict

to set bounds or an upper limit for limit the note to a few words

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to define

to mark the limits of adjectives limit the meanings of nouns

Synonyms & Similar Words

limit

2 of 2

noun

ˈli-mət

as in limitation

a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go there was no limit to the number of challenges they faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in height

the most extreme or advanced point those bratty kids have pushed my patience to the limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word limit different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of limit are circumscribe, confine, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When could circumscribe be used to replace limit?

In some situations, the words circumscribe and limit are roughly equivalent. However, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When might confine be a better fit than limit?

While in some cases nearly identical to limit, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When can restrict be used instead of limit?

The words restrict and limit can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of limit

Verb

During his first term, Trump successfully sabotaged the WTO by refusing to confirm nominees to its appellate body, severely limiting its ability to enforce trade rules. —

Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024 The company’s challenges started in 2020, when the retailer began limiting ties with wholesale partners, like Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods, in an effort to boost sales from its own platforms and stores. —

Merritt Enright, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024

Noun

Spending limits on a charge card will often vary based on factors such as your spending history and income. —

Ryley Amond, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024 Premium Plus subscribers will additionally receive priority user support, access to additional features like X’s Radar trend monitoring tool, and higher limits on the platform’s Grok AI models. —

Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for limit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for limit

Verb

For example, if an agent starts generating an unusual number of error responses, the system should automatically restrict its capabilities and alert the operations team.

Sai Arava, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Drones are also restricted in some airspace by the FAA at the request of law enforcement for safety and security reasons.

Alexandra Skores, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024