hand 1 of 2

Definition of handnext
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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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hand

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verb

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

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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 Kansas Jayhawks’ run in the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament ended at the hands of Colorado on Thursday night at T-Mobile Center. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 They’re also sold in a three-pack, so don’t be shy about spraying them on everyone’s hands. Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
But the heart-stopping final came down to 3-on-3 overtime, where New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes scored the winning goal, handing the Americans a 2-1 win and their first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026 The 45-year-old denied the charge at a hearing but an independent commission found otherwise, and also handed him a £2,000 fine and ordered him to attend a mandatory education course. Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand
Noun
  • The sides and top of the bag are brown leather, which adds just enough contrast to pop against your outfit, and perfectly complements the bag’s gold chain and zipper.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Next, the group plans to demand the county stop spraying along the Santa Ana River, which reaches the ocean on the south side of Huntington Beach.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Some feature blue-green or silver-tinged foliage, others lustrous golden needles.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
  • In Chicago or Houston, that (investment) is going to move the needle.
    Mark Dee March 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While a large majority of the department's employees are considered essential and continue to work, many will not receive a full paycheck this week.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Two other Girardi Keese employees were also convicted.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Police said handwriting analysis revealed it was most likely written by a teenager.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
  • In the latter city, the Le Marais boutique will see Lélu join Autry’s customers on Saturday for a meet and greet, handwriting personalized postcards.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Because the diagnosis was so unusual, zoo staff examined the bodies of 64 free-ranging roof rats that had either been euthanized in the course of regular pest control or found dead on the property.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • These adjustments, referred to as population controls, are likely to show steep downward revisions to both population and labor-force levels – largely reflecting reduced immigration.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Despite dominating possession, the defending MLS champions trailed 2-0 at halftime following a 3-0 shutout in the MLS season opener at LAFC last weekend.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Within the zones, penalties for violations such as open container possession, public urination, public smoking and excessive noise would increase.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Accessibility The property is constructed with ramps and elevators to accommodate guests who may require special assistance in main buildings.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Travelers are advised to check with their airline or travel agent as soon as possible for information on rebooking and refunds, though passengers are reporting difficulties getting assistance because of high caller volumes.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ying-yu Lin, a PLA expert at Tamkang University in Taipei, said the consistently rising defense budget shows that China’s military needs have not declined because of changes like economic slowdown.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Claude initially refused to cooperate with the hacking attempts and even denied requests to cover the hackers’ digital tracks, the experts who discovered the breach said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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