1
as in to manage
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
as host of a live TV talk show, she must handle any situation that comes up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way
handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about
she takes care of the flower beds, and he handles all the lawn care
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to tolerate
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
I can't handle much more of this foul weather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to oversee
to be in charge of
I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in name
a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known
likes to go by the handle "Champ"
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in nickname
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual
since it seemed decreed that every new firefighter have a handle, his was soon "Hulk"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 handle
Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Perfect for camping, beach days, and balconies, this lightweight grill is less than 15 pounds and has a handle for easy transport.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
His approval on handling inflation and the cost of living has also fallen by nearly 6 points in the same period.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
These handles should be comfortable and easily hold that weight.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Perfect for camping, beach days, and balconies, this lightweight grill is less than 15 pounds and has a handle for easy transport.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
Like all business ventures, festivals need to find a fan fit and manage through variables like costs, weather, artist availability and addressable market.—
Geoff Robins,
Rolling Stone,
23 June 2025
-
How To Get Rid Of Cucumber Beetles Follow these strategies from Khan and Day for managing these beetles in your garden: Use row covers.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
It’s cleverly done, with the audience treated to a young Ollie Rathbone weaving in and out of an opposition defence to score with a thumping finish in junior football just moments before being shown doing exactly the same to break the deadlock after 15 minutes.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
-
She was taken to the hospital and treated for traumatic injuries, however, on Tuesday it was confirmed that Rose had passed away, per WBAY.com.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
His influence on Chelsea’s sequences of possession is almost entirely focused on the left ‘pocket’ or half-space, operating alongside Cole Palmer as one of two advanced creators in a ‘box’ midfield.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
The project is still in its early days, but the state plans to work with private companies to build and operate the facility.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The flights will have regular communications with air traffic control towers, a wide array of sensors on board and someone supervising the plane from below. Plans for the company’s air taxis also are being tested at two other U.S. airports., Houston and Long Beach, California.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2025
-
Never feed or approach bears, secure all garbage, clean and store grills and fire pits properly, store any toys when not in use and make sure young children and pets are supervised when outside.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
The monthly injection was poorly tolerated, but the ongoing phase 3 study is designed to improve side effects.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
-
This instills a culture of collaborative leadership, where differing styles aren’t just tolerated, they’re valued.—
Thierry Brunel,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
The upcoming law marks a significant shift, granting state authorities new powers to oversee and, if necessary, restrict operations if a vehicle is deemed hazardous.—
Elaine Mallon,
The Washington Examiner,
20 June 2025
-
The city’s Transportation Department oversees more than 4,000 miles of streets; streetlights, bridges and intersections; more than 400 miles of bike lanes and trails; and the partnerships that operate the Divvy bike-share system and the city’s e-scooters.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Safely reducing the jail population will also help staff get a grip on violence and better deliver treatment and rehabilitation.—
Jonathan Lippman,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2025
-
At the end of the day, get a grip people, F1 stands to open globally to $115M+.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
No one deal is more important than my name and reputation.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2025
-
Ripe, the pop/funk band that formed at Boston’s Berklee School of Music in 2011 and is now based in California with two albums to its name.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share