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
Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
One Atlantic Coast Conference official quit over how a review was handled in the Syracuse-Connecticut game two weeks ago, and the Gophers can add a gripe about how another ACC review was handled on a key play during Minnesota’s 27-14 loss to California on Saturday night.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Roberts accessorized the ensemble with a heritage gold buckle belt, woven leather Vienna 95 shoes and a top handle leather bag with a Medusa twist-lock.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
Costco said unopened bottles can shatter even when they’re not being handled or in use.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
One Atlantic Coast Conference official quit over how a review was handled in the Syracuse-Connecticut game two weeks ago, and the Gophers can add a gripe about how another ACC review was handled on a key play during Minnesota’s 27-14 loss to California on Saturday night.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
The convenient kit comes with floor and roofing materials, plus nails, screws, handles, door locks, and fixings, which means less time wasted running to the hardware store.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Roberts accessorized the ensemble with a heritage gold buckle belt, woven leather Vienna 95 shoes and a top handle leather bag with a Medusa twist-lock.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
What began as a handful of campus groups now stretches across more than 3,500 high schools and universities, supported by dozens of full-time staff who manage student activists like a professional sales force.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
At the same time, the industry is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to manage tariff risks, optimize logistics costs, and ensure pricing compliance across complex regulatory environments.—
Nish Acharya,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That’s what the lesson here is for me, to treat others with respect and kindness, to honor the wishes of the fallen, and to have this dream of a better future.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Walshe’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was treated overnight at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and returned to jail.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the United States is one of the few countries in the world that operates without an official language.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Following the indictment, the FBI on Wednesday conducted a raid near Augusta, Georgia, arresting leaders after years of allegations that the church operated like a cult and preyed on military communities nationwide.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Four university police officers supervised the event, setting up what appeared to be a sort of perimeter surrounding the group.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In this photo, mama, who liked posing for the camera, supervises her litter of kittens.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Technological development, subjected to the logic of progress, presented itself as a force of chaos that would not tolerate any stable order.—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Despite the tree’s association with ponds, bald cypress tolerates a range of growing conditions, from somewhat dry soils to standing water.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Charter schools are overseen by independent boards, overwhelmingly, like nonprofit boards of directors that manage the oversight and then follow all or most of the same government rules related to public schools.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Jakub Porzycki | Nurphoto | Getty Images OpenAI has hired Mike Liberatore, former finance chief at Elon Musk's xAI, to be the artificial intelligence startup's business finance officer, responsible for overseeing its massive infrastructure spending.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Husseini attempted to ply him with patronage, appointing him imam of a new mosque, but the cleric’s burgeoning following augured poorly for Husseini’s grip on power.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
These aftermarket ultra-high performance summer tires are an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts seeking to maximize grip in both dry and wet conditions (the fitment was 235/40R18—the factory stock size for the Civic Si).—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The nearly 25-year-old business organization declined to share the name of the affected company, but said that other members still didn’t have clarity on a consistent process for accessing the minerals.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
-
In the film, Bajpayee plays the police officer while Jim Sarbh essays the role of the killer who goes by the fictional name Carl Bhojraj.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share