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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 3 June 2025
There are a few things that make handicapping the winners slightly easier.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 14 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
But Stick is handicapped by predictable story beats that viewers will see coming from hundreds of yards away.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 3 June 2025
There are a few things that make handicapping the winners slightly easier.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
-
Walking away entirely from UNEP would put us at a disadvantage.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
As my colleague Hayley Smith reports, weakening the three agencies at the start of fire season puts California at a dangerous disadvantage.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
These shifts signal a recognition that regulation is not an obstacle to progress but a critical enabler of responsible, adaptive innovation - especially when physically embedded in place.—
Kath Mackay,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Despite the obstacles, authorities from at least seven neighboring counties have followed countless tips in their hunt for Decker, with some leads running hot.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
1 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.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Frequently the Swedes have been impressive in the early stages of tournaments only to fall at the final hurdle.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
One of the biggest hurdles was the architecture of the building.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
The list, created following a Trump executive order, aimed to identify jurisdictions hindering federal immigration laws and potentially withhold their funding.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
In addition to drying out the atmosphere, the dust also increases wind shear and atmospheric stability — two other key factors that can hinder storm formation.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Others have built barriers to protect vulnerable neighborhoods.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Will this impede efforts to advance gender equality, especially in technology sectors?—
Lauren Buitta,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
But some of the worst economic effects will be felt by future generations, who, according to one Gen Zer interviewed by CNBC, are already concerned the deficit will impede their ability to collect social services.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Even after stopping at an intersection, drivers may need to crane their necks to see around obstructions such as trees, light poles or sign posts that block visibility.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
-
An 11th person has been charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy.—
Dallas Morning News,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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