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 The first one will give one team an upper hand, but obviously can’t dictate the entire series. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for upper hand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand

Noun

Ohio polling raises questions Advertisement As polling consistently shows an advantage for Acton, Republicans are increasingly arguing that the polls may be wrong by just enough to give Ramaswamy the win.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The eastern edge of the park is the north-south alley that serves businesses along Laramie.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

On Thursday, both governments sought to claim the diplomatic high ground.

— Dov Lieber, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Given its extensive objections to implementing these kinds of policies in the past, the letter is a transparent effort at attempting to turn the settlement into an opportunity to claim moral high ground.

— Nathaniel Lubin, New Yorker, 28 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of upper hand

noun

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