HAND-ME-DOWN Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

hand-me-down 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hand-me-down

as in secondhand

owned or used by someone after it had been owned or used by someone else

—used especially of clothing He was wearing an old, hand-me-down jacket.

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Dissimilar Words

hand-me-down

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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-me-down

Adjective

Retail or hand-me-down, these unwanted gifts take up not just physical but emotional space as well. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 8 May 2026 These are hand-me-down stories, delivered in a familiar fashion, distinguished by an expert sense of craft. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026 Young musicians get their first guitar lots of different ways — as a hand-me-down, a birthday present or with cash earned from mowing grass. — Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026 And how many work tasks are done in workplaces every day to satisfy hand-me-down key results and not for the betterment of either employees or customers? — Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand-me-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-me-down

Adjective

While imposing administrative burdens, the regulation is expected to supercharge the already booming secondhand fashion market, which grew four times faster than primary retail last year.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
In addition to the sale, Anthro also offers incredible discounts on secondhand NUULY finds, like this cute Linen Blend A-Line Skirt, which was $138 and is now $30.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 25 June 2026

Definition of secondhand

Noun

The subject remains a sensitive one in Indonesia, and the film reflects it subtly – a throwaway line at the start describes how a Chinese character has had to register his business under his, supposedly, native Indonesian son-in-law.

— Marcus Lim, Variety, 18 June 2026
Plastic throwaway containers have become a part of our everyday lives.

— Kelley Dennings, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026

Definition of throwaway

Noun

Likewise, clouds of metal scraps can be seen around wrecked ships floating through Meteos.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
First, Altilium uses its proprietary EcoAnode technology to salvage up to 99% of the graphite and niobium tungsten oxide (NWO) from scrap and dead batteries.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

Definition of scrap

Browse Nearby Words

handmaidens

hand-me-down

hand-me-downs

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hand-me-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-me-down. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hand-me-down

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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