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 The script does so much emotional hand-holding, only to lead its audience nowhere. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 But that muscle will take a while to rebuild after more than a decade of hand-holding by a central bank wary of surprising the market. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 30 July 2026 There's no hand-holding, though. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 The math starts to favor hiring an experienced worker who needs less hand-holding. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 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
  • Since the bill took effect, participation in Florida’s food assistance program dropped to a 17-year low, according to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Multiple casualties were taken ashore for medical assistance while the remaining crew was safe and accounted for, the agency said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • Though intended as a joke, the latter reaction succinctly illustrates the attention this trip has garnered on social media.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Now, the Yellow Jackets turn their attention to the next round of the playoffs.
    — Ryan Hunt, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • So the players, coaches and support personnel deplaned and the team’s bus driver — who had already started the return trip to Lawrence — turned around and came back to Topeka.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2026
  • The letter argues that Democrats' midterm victories reflected support for policies including Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy, and says Schumer is not the right person to advance those priorities.
    — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Byram has one assist in six games this season, averaging 24 minutes, 42 seconds of ice time and while leading the top power-play unit.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Trent Perry finished with 11 points and 11 assists for his first double-double.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • The Chiefs have been on the hunt this month for help at wide receiver, a search that only intensifies with Xavier Worthy leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Los Angeles police are seeking help in locating a hit-and-run driver who allegedly struck and killed a 7-year-old boy and severely injured his father in South LA on Wednesday.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • The tanker has entered service, and the results suggest the technology could help shipping operators lower fuel consumption without changing their vessels’ primary propulsion systems.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The veteran recognition at public events and church services.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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