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Definitions

get the upper hand

VERB
predominate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hold sway
STRONG
command dominate domineer govern manage outweigh overrule overshadow preponderate prevail reign rule tell
WEAK
carry weight
Antonyms
STRONG
follow serve submit surrender yield
VERB
subdue
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conquer crush extinguish humble overcome overpower quell repress restrain suppress tame temper
STRONG
break check control defeat discipline dominate drop gentle mellow overrun quash quench quiet quieten reduce soften squelch subjugate trample vanquish
WEAK
bear down beat down break in get the better of get under control put down shut down tone down triumph over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate agitate build up encourage let go lose praise release surrender yield
STRONG
aid allow assist give up help liberate permit start strengthen
WEAK
arouse incite rouse

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Maybe I need to push myself and buy some outfits that would let me get the upper hand in diplomatic negotiations,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Shakespeare and Anne wrestle to get the upper hand of a plot that seems to have a mind of its own.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

The first round saw Khizriev get the upper hand with the grappling, ducking under a Loughnane spinning back kick and controlling the action on the ground for the remainder of the round.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2024

Defenders certainly couldn’t get the upper hand on Alt much over the past three seasons.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2024

Three days later, on a Saturday morning, as we were making breakfast, the camp learned that the firefighters had begun to get the upper hand.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep