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
Pat Saperstein, Variety, 2 May 2025
And Harvard this week released two lengthy internal reports, one on how antisemitism and anti-Israel bias is handled on campus and another on anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Yeti's tiny stacking mugs come in a minute 4-ounce size, or a 6-ounce size with a handle.
—Adrienne So, Wired News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
With Mister Smith handling international sales, UTA and Range Select are co-repping U.S. rights.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 2 May 2025
And Harvard this week released two lengthy internal reports, one on how antisemitism and anti-Israel bias is handled on campus and another on anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Noun
Will Whitlock, a 25-year-old content creator based in England, posted the clip on April 24 under the handle @willwhitlock_.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Yeti's tiny stacking mugs come in a minute 4-ounce size, or a 6-ounce size with a handle.
—Adrienne So, Wired News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
Deacon said Slimane, who left the creative helm of Celine last year, has managed his career with aplomb, pursuing his interests in design and photography, and working to his own timetable.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
Cortini has managed to distil his passion into the sonic signature of these unique IEMs.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
The man, who was from Cape Coral, Fla., sustained minor injuries and was treated by emergency medical personnel.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
9 May 2025
-
The lesson is the same: chronic disease management doesn’t work if systems don’t talk, if data isn’t used and if patients are treated episodically rather than holistically.—
Boris Berat,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
Airspace control was transferred to the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Control Facility (TRACON) last July and, since the move, the radars have been operated with what one source called a remote extension cord-like line.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
-
The warehouse and distribution center will operate alongside the LEGO factory being built in Virginia, which is set to open in 2027.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
Some dogs may need to be supervised at all times when playing with some of their toys.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are recruiting participants for a trial testing whether people with advanced lung disease, including COPD, can tolerate taking semaglutide, the drug sold as Ozempic and Wegovy.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
7 May 2025
-
By early 2025, Beijing responded decisively, summoning Apple for discussions—a significant development indicating the Chinese government may no longer tolerate Apple's inflexible policies.—
Vivian Toh,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
The Philly air traffic control center oversees the airspace in Newark.—
Alecia Reid,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
-
The land use and environment group — which oversees planning, parks, public works and libraries, among other services — would lose nine full-time positions.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Painstakingly designed over the last three years, the Backbone Pro is instantly recognizable, with that trapezoidal profile, but the grips are larger, comfier, and grippier, the thumbsticks are full size, and there's a new pair of programmable back buttons.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
10 May 2025
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
This was what she was being warned against by the invocation of Anne’s and Nicole’s names.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
-
Donations can be made in his name to the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or to the PCS Theater in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
4 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share