1
as in addressed
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 treated
to behave toward in a stated way
handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in operated
to control the mechanical operation of
learned how to handle basic woodworking power tools
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in managed
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 tolerated
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 supervised
to be in charge of
I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handled
The situation was painful and humiliating, but given the circumstances, the offensive nature of the incident could have been handled with common sense and empathy.
—
Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Washington’s players gave the team a B-minus for how travel accommodations are handled.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Potentially lethal high voltages, dangerous ultraviolet and X-ray radiation and a high-vacuum apparatus that can implode if improperly handled.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Morais said the investigation remains active and is being handled by patrol officers and members of the Detective Bureau.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
That changed in the second half, when Green handled the ball far less but remained active as a screener and option for layups in the dunker’s spot.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Giuffre's family has questioned how the government handled the Epstein files, with her sister-in-law publicly asking why Attorney General Pam Bondi — a former human trafficking prosecutor In Florida— did not pursue the investigation more aggressively.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Brooklyn handled one part of that challenge better after halftime.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Music selection is handled by Luca Fiore and Giorgio Miccoli, with top selectors playing on a custom hi-fi system nightly.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Washington’s players gave the team a B-minus for how travel accommodations are handled.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Potentially lethal high voltages, dangerous ultraviolet and X-ray radiation and a high-vacuum apparatus that can implode if improperly handled.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Morais said the investigation remains active and is being handled by patrol officers and members of the Detective Bureau.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
That changed in the second half, when Green handled the ball far less but remained active as a screener and option for layups in the dunker’s spot.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Giuffre's family has questioned how the government handled the Epstein files, with her sister-in-law publicly asking why Attorney General Pam Bondi — a former human trafficking prosecutor In Florida— did not pursue the investigation more aggressively.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Brooklyn handled one part of that challenge better after halftime.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Music selection is handled by Luca Fiore and Giorgio Miccoli, with top selectors playing on a custom hi-fi system nightly.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handled
Verb
-
As addressed in the postgame blog, the 76ers, who had moved well past the process, nonetheless stepped back last season, got lucky in the lottery, and now have a brighter future because of that.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
-
In 1986, when the Sox were looking to move from Bridgeport to Addison, Reinsdorf addressed his sagging reputation in a Tribune interview.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Immersed in a kitchen culture where a single root vegetable is treated with more technical precision than a prime cut of wagyu, Sovani found his calling.—
Nupur Singh,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Extras, usually treated on set like living props, were especially in need of protection.—
Thomas Doherty,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Since Howell and Tretter’s resignations last July, the union has operated under the direction of president Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who plays linebacker for the Chicago Bears, and White, whom the union hired in August as interim executive director.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Flights operated by Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways were grounded, stranding tens of thousands of travelers and costing airlines millions.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Compare how Sesko’s minutes are being managed to Rasmus Hojlund’s last season, for instance.—
Ian Irving,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
All to pay for $449 million in operational costs that should have been managed within the city’s budget.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
It's commonly taken as a supplement and is well tolerated by most healthy adults.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Simpler formulas are often better tolerated by people with sensitive skin.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In general, children should always be supervised when using a microwave as temperatures may be hotter than expected with relatively short cook times, stresses Makayla Romboy, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Pediatrix.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Some people receive care from nurse practitioners, who are supervised by physicians.—
Amber Gaudet
Updated February 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One of the images – which was flagged during a CNN check as being potentially AI-manipulated – showed the girl, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and in her early teens, firing a sniper rifle.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The boarding crew noticed panels containing the vessel’s bilge pump were manipulated, raising suspicion it was being used for smuggling, the complaint states.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The backstory Opened in 2021, The Truitt previously served as the Kansas City Art Institute alumni house, and its ties to the local arts scene still linger.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Spencer, who served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and deployed to Iraq as a paratrooper in the late 2000s, said the sheriff’s job is to be a leader.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handled. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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