1
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
the police officer ordered the suspect to hand over his weapons
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to provide
to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption
in response to a desperate plea, we handed over all our extra blankets and pillows to the homeless shelter
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to hand
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another
handed over their valuables to the desk clerk, who put them in the hotel safe
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in surrender
the usually forced yielding of one's person or possessions to the control of another
though the handover of my wallet was painful, it was better than getting shot by some trigger-happy punk
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hand over
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
The ceasefire agreement calls for Hamas to disarm and hand over power to a committee of Palestinian administrators, and for Israel to withdraw as international forces are deployed.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Feb. 2026
Helicopters were used for aerial coverage of pro-democracy marches on July 1, the anniversary of the territory’s handover to China.
—Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hand over
Verb
Along with wanting to upgrade the Carolina roster, Canales recently made the decision to hand over offensive play-calling to his incumbent coordinator, Brad Idzik.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
The ceasefire agreement calls for Hamas to disarm and hand over power to a committee of Palestinian administrators, and for Israel to withdraw as international forces are deployed.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
The last handover occurred in July 2025.
—Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Feb. 2026
Helicopters were used for aerial coverage of pro-democracy marches on July 1, the anniversary of the territory’s handover to China.
—Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hand over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand over
Verb
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But trade for both, and relinquish a first-round pick in both deals?—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Government has longer-term leverage Despite the shift toward commercial technology, defense leaders are unlikely to relinquish control over mission critical systems.—
Barbara Booth,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Though the groups operate with some autonomy, Iran has provided them with financial support, weaponry such as drones, missiles, and training and intelligence.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
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There are 130 monitoring stations across the Sierra Nevada mountains that provide electronic readings.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Benjamin Franklin, 81 years of age, handed his closing speech to his Pennsylvania delegate, James Wilson, to be read aloud.—
Michael Golden,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
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The Kansas Court of Appeals handed CoreCivic its latest in a string of legal defeats, rejecting the private prison company’s argument that it should be allowed to reopen its Leavenworth facility as an immigrant detention center before securing a local zoning permit.—
Matthew Kelly
February 27,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Everybunny Counts Rabbit Rescue is planning a major expansion at its Ellington facility later this year as the nonprofit faces increasing surrender requests.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2026
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Watson said the surrender of property would also ensure Delgado’s cooperation and prevent him from fleeing with the items.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But the city could soon render all that moot and clear the way.—
Sofi Zeman
March 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
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Sun and star motifs rendered in gold enhance the gem’s night sky coloring, while the classic flower designs celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.—
Claire Salinda,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The White House has given contradictory accounts on why the US attacked Iran.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
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Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And areas of south Lebanon – Hezbollah’s home turf – have once again been pounded from across the Israeli border, leaving dozens of people killed and injured, while thousands have fled their homes to take shelter out of the line of fire.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
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Whatever your status, seek fairness that respects both voices and leaves room for change.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The submissions were compiled in an internal government database and reviewed by The Washington Post, which confirmed its authenticity with current federal employees.—
Karin Brulliard,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
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Climate video contest Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action is accepting submissions from aspiring filmmakers ages 12-18 from Santa Clara County for its Youth Climate Video Contest.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hand over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand%20over. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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