Limit — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈli-mət/ lim·it

Meaning & Definition of Limit

Limit (noun)

  1. something that bounds, restrains, or confines
  2. the utmost extent
  3. a geographic or political boundary

Limit (verb)

  1. to assign certain limits to, prescribe
  2. to restrict the bounds or limits of
  3. to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent

Limit (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to set bounds or an upper limit for

    "limit the note to a few words"

    similar: cap, circumscribe, confine, hold down, restrict
    related: bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct, constrict, contract, lessen, narrow, pinch, squeeze, tighten, quell, repress, suppress, number, modify, qualify
    opposite: exceed
    near: broaden, expand, widen, overextend, overreach

  2. to mark the limits of

    "adjectives limit the meanings of nouns"

    similar: bound, circumscribe, define, delimit, demarcate, demark, mark (off), terminate
    related: control, determine, govern, delineate, describe

Limit (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go

    "there was no limit to the number of challenges they faced"

    similar: bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limitation, line, termination
    related: extremity, fag end, terminus, border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge, outside, bar, barrier, fence, hedge, restraint, stop, wall

  2. the most extreme or advanced point

    "those bratty kids have pushed my patience to the limit"

    similar: depth, extremity, height
    related: consummation, epitome, quintessence, ultimate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Limit

The most common words with a similar meaning to Limit:

cap, circumscribe, confine, hold down, restrict, bound, define, delimit, demarcate, demark, mark (off), terminate, boundary, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limitation, line, termination, depth, extremity, height

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Limit

Words with the opposite meaning of Limit:

exceed

Related Words for Limit

bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct, constrict, contract, lessen, narrow, pinch, squeeze, tighten, quell, repress, suppress, number, modify, qualify, control, determine, govern, delineate, describe, fag end, terminus, border, brim, edge, margin

Near Antonyms of Limit

broaden, expand, widen, overextend, overreach

Word Forms of Limit

Inflections: limited, limiting, limits

Derived words: limitless (adjective), limitlessly (adverb), limitlessness (noun), limitable (adjective), limiter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Limit

Middle English, from Anglo-French limite, from Latin limit-, limes boundary

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Limit

Words & Phrases Containing Limit

limit point, central limit theorem, elastic limit, Roche limit, speed limit, three-mile limit, age limit, credit limit

Frequently Asked Questions about Limit

What does "Limit" mean?

"Limit" means something that bounds, restrains, or confines. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: something that bounds, restrains, or confines. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Limit"?

Other words for "Limit" include cap, circumscribe, confine, hold down, restrict, bound, define and delimit. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Limit" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Limit"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Limit". Common alternatives include cap, circumscribe, confine, hold down, restrict, bound, define, delimit, demarcate and demark.

What is the opposite of "Limit"?

Antonyms of "Limit" include exceed. Near antonyms include broaden, expand, widen and overextend.

How do you use "Limit" in a sentence?

Examples of "Limit" in a sentence: "limit the note to a few words"; "adjectives limit the meanings of nouns"; "there was no limit to the number of challenges they faced".

Is "Limit" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Limit" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Limit" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Limit" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Limit"?

"Limit" is pronounced /ˈli-mət/ and divided into syllables as lim·it.