HANDFUL Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

handful

noun

ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇l

Definition of handful next

as in few

a small number only a handful of people signed up for the wintertime hike

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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 handful When catching pilchards is difficult, captain Dennis Forgione thaws a box of glass minnows in a bucket of water and throws a handful of the little fish in the water every 20 minutes. —

Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 Even with all of that being the case, there have been a handful of Red Sox players who have come out of the gate hot, along with several whose struggles have played a big role in the team’s malaise. —

Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 The Devils had two breakaways, along with a two-on-one, a three-on-one and a handful of other odd-man rushes. —

Josh Yohe, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 The community is one of a handful piloting a program to help houses survive wildfires. —

Lauren Sommer, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handful

couple

Noun

Portman — daughter of a fertility doctor — said she was raised hearing about the difficulties some couples face when trying to start a family.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026
In the early 1960s, the couple moved back to Chicago when David began teaching at the U of C's law school.

— Hannah Meisel, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026