as in assistance
patient and attentive guidance encouragement, or instruction
New computer users often require a good deal of hand-holding.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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-holding
Lack Of Initiative Startups need self-starters who can tackle challenges without excessive hand-holding.
—
Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Zanna Clay/Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary Interestingly, this challenges common thought that chimpanzees settle disputes with aggression and hierarchical dominance, and instead display social bonding behavior through acts like grooming and hand-holding.
—New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Unlike Love Island or Too Hot to Handle, the smiles, eye contact and brief hand-holding do all the talking in Single’s Inferno.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
The lack of eye contact, smiles, or hand-holding between the couple, suggesting discomfort.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are in their hand-holding era!
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 15 Oct. 2023
Children younger than 7 are admitted free with a hand-holding adult.
—Sam Boyer, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2023
Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Zanna Clay/Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary Interestingly, this challenges common thought that chimpanzees settle disputes with aggression and hierarchical dominance, and instead display social bonding behavior through acts like grooming and hand-holding.
—New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Unlike Love Island or Too Hot to Handle, the smiles, eye contact and brief hand-holding do all the talking in Single’s Inferno.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
The lack of eye contact, smiles, or hand-holding between the couple, suggesting discomfort.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are in their hand-holding era!
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 15 Oct. 2023
Children younger than 7 are admitted free with a hand-holding adult.
—Sam Boyer, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
Noun
-
Individual states may have additional requirements, so contact your state’s driver’s licensing agency online or in person for additional information or assistance.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Figures from a new report show that more people were prosecuted around Europe in 2024 for rendering assistance to irregular migrants than in previous years.—
Frey Lindsay,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Despite his rising stardom, Brunson has historically redirected attention to team success over individual accolades.—
Cynthia Pong, JD,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
At the time, then-Trump spokeswoman turned critic Stephanie Grisham slammed media attention of the jacket.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
At a press conference announcing the move, Van Hollen said his support for Abrego Garcia is about due process and the Supreme Court’s order to facilitate his return.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
Contributing to its sturdiness are the eight stainless steel support bars, which are situated around the outside of the tub.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Rashford has made 10 starts and seven substitute appearances since joining Villa in January, registering four goals and six assists.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
LeBron James contributed in every dimension of the game, finishing with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks.—
Dylan Hernández,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But in the meantime, those who know her are left to ponder an illness that appears to have consumed the caring mother, in spite of her efforts to get help.—
Laura Crimaldi,
BostonGlobe.com,
13 Feb. 2023
-
Police departments in Carroll County could get help from the state with funding the high cost of outfitting officers with body cameras, if a bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly is passed.—
Sherry Greenfield,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Feb. 2023
Noun
-
His memorial service is set for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET), and his body will be buried at Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major in a simple wooden casket, per his request.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
According to the obituary, funeral services will be announced at a later time.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share