UPPER HAND Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

upper hand

noun

Definition of upper hand

as in advantage

the more favorable condition or position in a competition finally gained the upper hand in the argument

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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 upper hand If a handful of contenders recruit the 35-year-old Montenegrin, his friendship with Jokic should give Denver an upper hand. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 Pollsters say that trend means the GOP could maintain a slight upper hand in state capitals heading into the fall. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 18 May 2026 The Virginia measure became a turning point, Jeffries’ biggest swing yet, putting Democrats essentially at parity, if not a potential upper hand in the number of seats gained, and shifting Old Dominion more securely into the party’s column. — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 The Virginia measure became a turning point, Jeffries' biggest swing yet, putting Democrats essentially at parity, if not a potential upper hand in the number of seats gained, and shifting Old Dominion more securely into the party’s column. — ABC News, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for upper hand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand

Noun

Along with trying to shave the Republican advantage in the district's dozen-plus rural counties, Bohannan is also trying to gain a foothold in its more urban and suburban hubs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Companies are exploring different robotic designs for transportation, industrial work and mobility, with quadruped systems offering potential advantages on uneven terrain.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

L’Agence’s Lian jacket called my name immediately, delivering uptown elegance with a downtown edge when styled with jeans and a white tee.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Stock up Defensive end R Mason Thomas The Chiefs are looking for more speed off the edge, and Thomas delivered.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

According to the study, the resulting uplift would have created steep terrain and high ground that could be intensely eroded over long periods.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
But Camille can’t claim any moral high ground over Juliette either, as the Mayor angrily reminds her.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of high ground

Browse Nearby Words

uppercuts

upper hand

upper hands

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“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of upper hand

noun

Example Sentences

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