as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
finally gained the upper hand in the argument
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Recent Examples of upper hand
For the moment, Turkey has gained the strong upper hand in the current outcome, and Russia, in its hasty retreat, has suffered a devastating loss.
—
Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024
Despite the progress throughout the years, white people have always and continue to have a financial upper hand in society.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 15 July 2024
Compulsive bettors often operate under the illusion of control, thinking that in sports betting, compared to a game of chance like slot machines, their expertise will give them an upper hand.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, The Athletic, 17 Apr. 2024
The increase could be a sign of buyers having an upper hand in the market, said Redfin’s Zhao.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024
Despite the progress throughout the years, white people have always and continue to have a financial upper hand in society.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 15 July 2024
Compulsive bettors often operate under the illusion of control, thinking that in sports betting, compared to a game of chance like slot machines, their expertise will give them an upper hand.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, The Athletic, 17 Apr. 2024
The increase could be a sign of buyers having an upper hand in the market, said Redfin’s Zhao.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper hand
Noun
-
Pone hit a sacrifice fly to put Ole Miss up 5-4, Mackenzie Pickens hit and RBI single in the fifth for a two-run advantage and Brady sent a solo home run to left-center field in the seventh to set the final score.—
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
26 May 2025
-
There are advantages older figures can bring to politics — even if the current generation has ruined the reputation of elder statesmen.—
Jack Butler,
National Review,
25 May 2025
Noun
-
In the second round of the playoffs, against the defending champion, the Boston Celtics, the script was flipped: the Knicks got down by huge margins in the first two games but came storming back for the victory in both, creating a 2–0 edge.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
22 May 2025
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Special teams ace/edge rusher DeAngelo Malone also would be a difficult cut.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2025
-
When buyers are armed with the information of others who received higher discounts, the software company has no moral high ground or negotiating leverage.—
Chris Mele,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Operating in such a variable market requires local and regional expertise, as lenders with boots on the ground often have an inside track on conditions and opportunities unique to a specific community and properties.—
Sam Sidhu,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Operating in such a variable market requires local and regional expertise, as lenders with boots on the ground often have an inside track on conditions and opportunities unique to a specific community and properties.—
Sam Sidhu,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper%20hand. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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