as in assistance
patient and attentive guidance encouragement, or instruction
New computer users often require a good deal of hand-holding.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hand-holding
An in-depth farmer training program on organic agricultural practices would be required, which may need to be supported by a technologically sound hand-holding mechanism, ideally synced with specific Indian regions’ crop calendars.
—
Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
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
Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
Noun
-
In addition, urgent cases are being referred for emergency cash assistance.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
While it’s not meant to replace reporting to your studio’s own HR, having a helpful guide and personal assistance about how to report and next steps in the process can be extremely valuable, especially for those working at small companies or on independent projects who don’t know where to turn.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
When that connection fails, Peter quickly couples up with another guest, only to abandon her when his father gives him attention.—
Gary Levin,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
Reframe what could be an awkward moment as an opportunity to include the other person, shifting attention away from your memory lapse.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Ewing criticized Stothert’s support for President Donald Trump and turning the local race into a referendum on the national Republican platform.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
Those heavy, bowl-like flowers need support to keep from breaking.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Reinhart, a first-line forward, has four goals and seven assists in the playoffs this year.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
23 May 2025
-
Haliburton finished with 31 points and 11 assists, while Aaron Nesmith scored 30 points, including 20 in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
22 May 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
-
Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.—
Hannah Poukish,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2025
-
Train service will resume on May 20 so the agency has time to inspect tracks and prepare rail cars, New Jersey Transit officials and Gov. Phil Murphy announced on May 18, an hour after union officials confirmed a deal had been reached.—
Colleen Wilson,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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