hand 1 of 4

1
2
as in flank
a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line tall buildings rose on either hand nothing but wide open space on either hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in needle
an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information both hands of the clock pointed to 12

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
as in signature
a person's name written in their own handwriting often given to indicate awareness or consent the subpoena required a lawyer's hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

hand

2 of 4

verb (1)

1
2
as in to pass
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another the clerk handed her the receipt

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

hands

3 of 4

noun (2)

plural of hand

hands

4 of 4

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of hand
1
2
3

Example Sentences

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 hand
Noun
The catastrophic loss of life at the hands of a single bacterium during the 14th century remains one of human history’s most devastating events. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 May 2025 But by the time Rogers’ turn arrived, SMU president Kenneth Pye was spearheading an effort to shift conference governance away from FARs and into the hands of university presidents. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
In the second half, Pacers entertainment staff handed the microphone to former Indianapolis Colts punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee, who introduced Knicks fans Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet – all of them in attendance in Indianapolis. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 27 May 2025 Actress Tasha Smith introduced Jackson before handing her the Icon Award onstage. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hand

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!