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 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
OpenAI is now offering agents that are more about automating workflows—logging into applications, executing tasks, and managing tasks without much human hand-holding.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 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
Cross-train staff, delegate decision making early, and build a leadership layer that doesn’t need hand-holding.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
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
OpenAI is now offering agents that are more about automating workflows—logging into applications, executing tasks, and managing tasks without much human hand-holding.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 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
Cross-train staff, delegate decision making early, and build a leadership layer that doesn’t need hand-holding.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
Noun
-
The following interview, conducted in Spanish with assistance from his son and Carnitas Uruapan second-generation owner Marcos Carbajal, has been edited for clarity and length.—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The company has declined comment on the liquidation and federal assistance reports.—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Aries March 21 – April 19 Something at home needs your attention, and pushing through it won’t work today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
-
March 21 – April 19 Something at home needs your attention, and pushing through it won’t work today.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On the streets, large crowds representing the country’s hard-line factions have rallied daily in support of the regime and against any agreement with Washington that would place Iran in a position of defeat.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
-
And there is talk about subsequent budget reconciliation bills before the end of this Congress, which could provide additional opportunities for Republicans to pursue tax and spending priorities that otherwise are unlikely to garner Democratic support.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
McCollum finished with 32 points, three rebounds and six assists, and every one of his late buckets felt heavier than the last.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Deni Avdija had 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Blazers, who advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 by beating the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament.—
Christian Clark,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Her father, Joseph Coles, has repeatedly pleaded for the public's help.—
Aya Al-Hakim,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The Jets need immediate pass rush help, and Reese gives them versatility from his off-ball experience paired with his pass-rush ability at Ohio State.—
Nick Harris
April 20,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The regional agency manages payroll services for more than 150,000 employees across 100 school districts, community colleges and charter schools in Los Angeles County, according to its website.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Their goal was to limit reductions in services and avoid being forced to lay off at least 400 city workers.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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