hand-holding

noun

Definition of hand-holdingnext
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

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 Its relentlessly upbeat, hand-holding style has drawn constant criticism for coming across as condescending. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 Apr. 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 Ludovic Marin | Afp | Getty Images Then, there was the hand-holding moment that went viral between two AI giants. — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand-holding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
  1. assistance
  2. attention
  3. support
  4. assist
  5. help
  6. service
Noun
  • The City Council, which is considering censuring the mayor, asked for assistance because the city’s Human Resources director wasn’t available at the time, according to Mayor Pro Tem Tara Graves.
    — Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • International assistance has historically played a major role in supporting outbreak surveillance, laboratory capacity, healthcare worker training and emergency response in countries facing limited resources.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • As much as the Dolphins will be focused on the run as an offense, the defense should pay the same attention – if not more.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Public health cannot operate as a reactionary system that receives attention only during emergencies.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Around the same time, the city rescinded support for the Interstate 77 South toll lane project.
    — DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
  • The problem arrives when the tools become the practice rather than a support for it.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Charged has offered a fair bit of electronic aids on board, starting with ABS, traction control, hill hold (hill start assist), and hill descent assist.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 July 2026
  • Croix Bethune has been leading the Current’s attack all season and set a new single-season club assist record (seven) by setting up rookie winger Amelia White for her first NWSL goal in the 20th minute.
    — PJ Green July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • With the help of partner Travis Bullard, Stefan Scarks and family officially opened the property in 2021.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Without the help of their partners and volunteers, Kanbe’s Markets wouldn’t be achievable.
    — Zuri Primos July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • Energy is a key input into many goods and services given its broad use across the economy and so higher prices may fuel inflation.
    — Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Meta has always had to invest in the data centers that serve its popular social networking services to people all over the world.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of service

Browse Nearby Words

handhold
hand-holding
hand-holdings
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Cite this Entry

“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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