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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
Pick it up with both hands, gently grasping the shell just behind the front legs. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net. Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Verb
DeSoto has handed Carroll two state semifinal losses (2025 and 2023) in recent memory and will no longer be a roadblock in the path to state – that’s a significant development for the Dragons’ chances of winning their first state title since 2011. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 Herrera handed him $50 for his commissary account and posed for a photograph with him. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand
Noun
  • What the growers’ side is arguing Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, framed the labeling change as a competitive fairness issue.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • Each side saw its best threat in the half’s closing moments, as Japan put two shots on goal in the final five minutes of the half, and Sweden forced the Japan keeper to stop a shot on goal in the final minute as well.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • But more than just making pretty designs, the threads in her needle were stitching a connection to her heritage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • One German tourist moved the needle on how Americans feel about his entire country.
    Frank Ahrens, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • In May, the EEOC filed a discrimination lawsuit against the New York Times alleging discrimination against a white male employee, which the Times has rejected as politically motivated.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Others said employees should come into the office and experience what could be one of Atlanta’s most significant moments on the global stage.
    Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Screenshots of dozens of ballots from those votes provided to the Herald show similar handwriting.
    Linda Robertson June 23, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
  • Between the many ceasefires, extensions and delays, the handwriting is on the wall.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Residents of the peninsula are often reluctant to speak out publicly given the control Russia enforces on the ground.
    Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • At-home routines give you more control over how aggressively your nails are filed and how gently polish is removed.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Teammate Jordan Henderson, now at his fourth World Cup, recalled Kane scoring twice in the opener against Croatia to match Lineker and mistakenly thought this mark was already in Kane’s sole possession.
    Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • The Three Lions are maintaining a high press but can't keep possession in the attacking third.
    NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Valadao also said the cuts match eligibility standards for other federal assistance programs.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • The sheriff's office reopened portions of the investigation roughly three years ago, reviewing thousands of case files and conducting interviews with Mansfield with assistance from federal and state authorities.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Legislative expert and law professor Chris Micheli said lawmakers frequently include controversial provisions in bills during the early stages of the legislative process.
    June 24, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Given the significance of the peace deal, experts said Pakistan will certainly want to leverage its mediation role for economic benefit, particularly in its dealings with allies in Washington and the Gulf.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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