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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Recent Examples of hand-holding
The math starts to favor hiring an experienced worker who needs less hand-holding.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 2026
Beyond the yachts themselves, the yards are working hard to secure younger clients, with more hand-holding during the sale process and build period than ever before.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
The two played a game of Barrymore Bingo, featuring staple moments that happen in practically every interview, like hand-holding or getting curled up on the couch.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
The service Don't expect any hand-holding here.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Ratner captures lots of hand-holding, little connection.
—Amy Nicholson, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
And in the sweetest bit of romance so far, Lady Bridgerton herself seems one step closer to acting on her attraction to Lady Danbury's brother Lord Anderson (Daniel Francis), with the two sharing a (scandalous) moment of hand-holding at the ball.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
There are no more smiles and no more hand-holding, only two sad adults.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
There’s no spoon-feeding or hand-holding.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 2026
Beyond the yachts themselves, the yards are working hard to secure younger clients, with more hand-holding during the sale process and build period than ever before.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
The two played a game of Barrymore Bingo, featuring staple moments that happen in practically every interview, like hand-holding or getting curled up on the couch.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
The service Don't expect any hand-holding here.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Ratner captures lots of hand-holding, little connection.
—Amy Nicholson, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
And in the sweetest bit of romance so far, Lady Bridgerton herself seems one step closer to acting on her attraction to Lady Danbury's brother Lord Anderson (Daniel Francis), with the two sharing a (scandalous) moment of hand-holding at the ball.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
There are no more smiles and no more hand-holding, only two sad adults.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
There’s no spoon-feeding or hand-holding.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
Noun
-
In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
-
Leal says there are warning signs consumers should watch for when seeking immigration assistance online.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Talarico on Monday drew attention to his campaign winning the endorsement of Houston attorney Dan Cogdell, who was part of Paxton’s defense team during the Republican’s historic impeachment trial in 2023 that ended in acquittal.—
Jesse Bedayn,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
While much attention since the fire has focused on rebuilding physical structures, Nemecek said preserving the ranch’s purpose is equally important.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Her agency offers various programs like caregiver support and meal services, along with opportunities to exercise the mind.—
Lauren Pastrana,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pursuit of Hezbollah, which fired across the border in support of Tehran.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Victor Wembanyama had 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first NBA Finals win, carrying the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory on Monday night that cut the New York Knicks’ lead to 2-1.—
Brian Mahoney,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
In the end, Castle finished with 23 point of 8-of-14 shooting with five rebounds and five assists, while every Spurs starter finished the game with double-digit points.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
One, a pediatric ER doctor, wrapped his arm in a makeshift tourniquet and stuffed the wound to staunch the bleeding while others called for help.—
Los Angeles Times,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
-
If a marine mammal appears to be in distress, the public is advised to stay away, don't approach, and call for help.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
On homelessness, Steyer wants to expand interim housing options and homeless services.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Wire services contributed to this report.—
Jon Becker,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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