hand-feed

verb

Definition of hand-feednext
as in to spoon-feed

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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-feed In 2017, a couple driving on the Alaska Highway posted photos of themselves hand-feeding donuts and hot dogs to a grizzly bear through the window of their vehicle. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 21 May 2026 Ollier pointed out the original coal furnaces, still hand-fed to heat each carriage. — Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 5 Nov. 2025 The animals have transitioned from being hand-fed to exhibiting natural pack behaviors, including hunting on their own, with Remus taking on a more Alpha role amongst them. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, Ali Baba’s Farm offers a hands-on experience—where little ones can hand-feed fluffy goats and cuddle baby bunnies beneath shady olive trees. — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hand-feed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-feed
  1. spoon-feed
  2. overfeed
  3. underfeed
  4. fatten
  5. force-feed
  6. fill
Verb
  • The Vikings didn’t spoon-feed their complex system to Murray in OTAs.
    — The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Swift was shown spoon-feeding him, tongue in cheek, like a fussy baby in a restaurant.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
Definition of spoon-feed
Verb
  • However, frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks can overfeed harmful bacteria in a way that neither saliva nor helpful bacteria can overcome.
    — Jacqueline Abranches, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 2025
  • Remember, those treat calories count toward the daily total, so adjust meal portions accordingly to prevent overfeeding and maintain a balanced, healthy diet.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of overfeed
Verb
  • That court order stems from a legal action that the Southern Center brought against Sheriff Franklin’s predecessor, Greg Bartlett, who had been underfeeding inmates while taking $212,000 in food money for his personal use.
    — WALT BOGDANICH and GRACE ASHFORD, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2017
Definition of underfeed
Verb
  • Tonight is an excellent opportunity to stop the slide and fatten the season’s profit.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • But the rules are written as if to fatten the wallets of the hospital and insurance giants — while the taxpayers and employers eat the costs.
    — Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of fatten
Verb
  • When so much of the online algorithm force-feeds division, the World Cup has presented a new, uplifting form of viral content; unifying, cross-cultural, a reminder, should it be required, that most people actually like one another.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • The United States, which can gobble up Olympic medals and force-feed its brand of football to a happy audience across the pond, has had to cede superiority to the rest of the world, unable to even get its own term for the game to catch on.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
Definition of force-feed
Verb
  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, and spread slightly to fill the smaller square while maintaining the border.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The seats were filled with families and friends all huddled underneath the shade of umbrellas to enjoy an afternoon ice cream.
    — Hali Smith August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of fill

Browse Nearby Words

hand-fed
hand-feed
hand-feeding
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Cite this Entry

“Hand-feed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-feed. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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