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 somatic exercises in particular, such as deep breathing, hand-holding or direct eye-gazing, allow participants to check in with how their bodies feel in proximity to one another.
—
Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
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
Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
Noun
-
Because care is about more than physical assistance.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
-
This safety net extends beyond clinical care to include essential social programs — housing assistance, food programs like SNAP and energy assistance — that address the broader determinants of health, many of which face threatening cuts in their own right.—
Jacob Murphy,
Baltimore Sun,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Other styles that have caught my attention include this twirly Parthea Midi Dress, $57 on Amazon, and this ruched American Eagle Bella midi dress, on sale for $49.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
20 July 2025
-
The one that caught my attention is a modern cabin-style tiny house that has a front porch, two bedrooms, and the option to add solar panels.—
Rylee Johnston,
People.com,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
Samir’s mother, too, was moved by the outpouring of support.—
Aurora Sousanis,
Freep.com,
13 July 2025
-
Use basic floral arranging techniques—like focal points and structural supports—to keep your display intentional.—
Andrea Beck,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
In the pantheon of secondary assists, Euro 2025 served up an all-timer yesterday.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
-
For Indiana, Kelsey Mitchell exploded for 32 points, seven assists and three rebounds, while Alyiah Boston added 21 points, six rebounds and three assists in the win.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 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
-
By morning, service on the subway had resumed on a normal schedule.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
15 July 2025
-
The hike from the South Rim to the North Rim is about 21 miles, according to the park service.—
Alexandra Hardle,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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