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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Hassan also posted a video of himself driving with a homemade ISIS flag in his hand and a knife on his lap. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 The photos showed the two sunbathing by a pool, in a hot tub and on the roof of a bungalow holding hands and embracing, which caused a league-wide uproar. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Eunice uses the distraction to hand Austin the USB stick and takes off, jumping on the bed of a moving truck. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026 Pulido told the crowd, before scratching his signature onto the brim and handing it to Jimena, who pumped it in the air and shrieked with joy. Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand
Noun
  • For the past four months, advocates have waged campaigns for boosting the spending side of the ledger.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But to not get any help in the first round on the offensive side of the ball?
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Going back to last season, the Ducks have added considerably more than the Oilers, who, outside of blue-liner Jake Walman, have not moved the needle much with their acquisitions.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Growing up to hundreds of feet tall and dozens of feet across, with rich, golden-brown bark and dark green needles, there’s nothing quite as awe-inspiring as a California redwood.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The closures affected some 14,000 employees at the time.
    Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Clayton Peavey, 31, used a concrete brick to attack a Chick-fil-A employee in March, leaving her with several gashes on her head and requiring stitches.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Typing is faster, but handwriting hammers home lessons and facilitates deeper learning.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In an era when many kids her age are chasing likes and followers, one 12-year-old is winning the internet’s heart the old-fashioned way — with scissors, glue and her own handwriting.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Tyson is an explosive separator with acrobatic body control.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But Saugus responded with six runs in the bottom of the third inning to grab firm control of the contest.
    Matt Wagner, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Deployed as a winger against strong opposition, Wiegman has also used James as a central attacking midfielder in games where England are likely to dominate possession.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The Rapids dominated possession in the first half, but Messi scored on a penalty kick to give Miami the lead in the 18th minute after Bright got fouled in the box after stealing the ball in the six-yard box.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The following interview, conducted in Spanish with assistance from his son and Carnitas Uruapan second-generation owner Marcos Carbajal, has been edited for clarity and length.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The company has declined comment on the liquidation and federal assistance reports.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • California is the most biodiverse state in the United States, experts say.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Edmunds’ auto experts have identified the five best off-roading midsize trucks right now.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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