variants
also handsful
as in couples
a small number
only a handful of people signed up for the wintertime hike
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Recent Examples of handfuls
Doctors, only with bombs bursting in air, twin eagles threatening, soldiers flying, a robed Trump healing, handfuls of white light and the miracle of thick hair no longer in need of a combover.
—
Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
In recent weeks only handfuls of ships, if any, are passing on a daily basis.
—Justin Fishel, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Instead of grabbing handfuls straight from the bag, serve it in a small bowl or buy individual packs to help manage portions.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026
Next comes quesillo, the Oaxacan cheese pulled into lacy webs, and handfuls of shredded cabbage.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
There are rational questions about the wisdom of spending so much money to fling handfuls of people into deep space at great risk and far outside the chance of rescue.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
With models trailed by porters toting handfuls of monogrammed luggage?
—Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Sprinkle a few handfuls of wood ashes around your hydrangea in early spring and water it in.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
Drop handfuls evenly over the top of the compost pile, moisten with water, and mix it in with a rake or shovel.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026
Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
In recent weeks only handfuls of ships, if any, are passing on a daily basis.
—Justin Fishel, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Instead of grabbing handfuls straight from the bag, serve it in a small bowl or buy individual packs to help manage portions.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026
Next comes quesillo, the Oaxacan cheese pulled into lacy webs, and handfuls of shredded cabbage.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
There are rational questions about the wisdom of spending so much money to fling handfuls of people into deep space at great risk and far outside the chance of rescue.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
With models trailed by porters toting handfuls of monogrammed luggage?
—Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Sprinkle a few handfuls of wood ashes around your hydrangea in early spring and water it in.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
Drop handfuls evenly over the top of the compost pile, moisten with water, and mix it in with a rake or shovel.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handfuls
Noun
-
This is where couples come to mark a special occasion or business travelers come to impress.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Editor Jeremy Rellosa spoke to couples about the easiest times to get an appointment, the best places for taking pictures, and where to make a Champagne toast afterward.—
Jeremy Rellosa,
Curbed,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In a cluttered room, that beam scatters in every direction.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
-
As internal pressure builds, the casing ruptures and scatters fragments outward at high speed, causing widespread injury to those nearby.—
Divya Dubey,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handfuls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handfuls. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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