hand 1 of 2

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand
Noun
  • The 26-year-old will sign a six-year contract with his new side.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Both sides have ramped up national security measures and grown more protective of their advanced technologies – particularly in sensitive sectors with military implications.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Is that tied to the scene in the movie where Alpha draws a constellation on her uncle’s arm, connecting his needle marks?
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 May 2025
  • Key Takeaways The Asian needle ant is a small, brownish ant that is often seen wandering alone.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Forty-two students helped to transfer the original messages onto large river rocks, replicating not only their words but the original handwriting and drawings.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
  • In addition, a double-sided leaf notebook that Lincoln used as a boy in school, which has the earliest surviving examples of his handwriting, sold for $521,200.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Stories about strict border controls and immigration enforcement have created hesitation among potential travelers.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 24 May 2025
  • According to the agencies, the GRU hackers also carried out reconnaissance of the network of at least one producer of industrial control system components for railway systems—suggesting a possible intention to attempt sabotage—but didn’t actually succeed in breaching the company.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Leo Tate, 31, was charged with burglary and drug possession, parish records show.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • But great to a low possession team looking to do damage during a transition.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition, urgent cases are being referred for emergency cash assistance.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Kennealy was the head of the former Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, the agency that oversaw emergency shelter assistance shelters set up under the state’s right-to-shelter law.
    Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Only 20 experts out of the roughly 525 who did the work at USAID's Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance and its Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Relief are being hired by PRM, the source said.
    Jonathan Landay, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Legal experts have suggested that people who wish to use agentic systems sign contracts that push responsibility onto the companies supplying the technology.
    Paresh Dave, Wired News, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Cyrus, meanwhile, sported his signature rocker edge in a pair of tight-fitting black pants detailed with silver medallions along the leg and a black jacket with leather accents.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • On the ground floor there is also a window display dedicated to its signature web motif in green/red/green and in blue/red/blue established in the mid-1950s.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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