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.
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Recent Examples of handle
Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 24 Apr. 2025
If the highest and broadest tariffs are avoided, U.S. farmers will likely be able to handle the impacts with only modest discomfort.
—Adam A. Millsap, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
John Annese, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
This crossbody style has an adjustable strap as well as a top handle, so it can be used to tour around a city while also dressed up for dinner.
—Ito Bindery, Air Mail, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
The writers delivered a masterclass in how to handle the unforeseen death of a central character, then did a superb job navigating not only Dan’s heartbreak, but his conflicted feelings about moving on with Louise.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 24 Apr. 2025
If the highest and broadest tariffs are avoided, U.S. farmers will likely be able to handle the impacts with only modest discomfort.
—Adam A. Millsap, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
His knife had holes in the handle for the wielder’s fingers, providing a firmer grip, according to police.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
This crossbody style has an adjustable strap as well as a top handle, so it can be used to tour around a city while also dressed up for dinner.
—Ito Bindery, Air Mail, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
The two brands managed just 917,598 sales in 2024, versus 1,343,959 in 2019, according to S&P Global Mobility.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Surgeons and Nurse Practitioners Surgeons, earning a median of $250,000 annually, perform life-saving operations and manage patient care, requiring precision and empathy.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Self Offense helps people identify subtle cues (e.g., saying ‘maybe’ or avoiding eye contact) and empowers them to treat those cues as legitimate expressions of self.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The fabric is fade-resistant and treated to resist mildew, and the seat cushion can be removed for easy cleaning.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Federal Reserve operates independently when setting short-term rates and does not take direction from Congress, the president or political campaigns.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Maybe the youngest entrepreneur operating a booth, Sophia’s Lemonade Stand, was Sophia Escobar, 8, of Ingleside.—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But, because the government would need time to craft new rules and infrastructure, the court would temporarily supervise the detention of minors.—
Jack Herrera,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2025
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Holmes argues the church failed to supervise Lorch and, worse yet, retained him, thus enabling Lorch to allegedly inflict even more harms.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Some are bred to tolerate warmer or colder temperatures.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Treat divergence not as something to tolerate but as a strategic asset.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The judge overseeing the trial found last year that Google has a monopoly in online search and related advertising.—
Jody Godoy,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Pietro Parolin The current secretary of state for the Holy See, Parolin is an experienced Italian diplomat who has helped oversee the Vatican's internal affairs but also worked on behalf of the Catholic Church around the world in countries from Venezuela to Vietnam.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Her son sported a pair of jeans and a blue shirt, with a pair of white grip socks on his feet.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Russia's grip on these five regions is not internationally recognized.—
Mark Weinstein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The names: Off-Roadeo Arches and Off-Roadeo Cliffhanger are meant to celebrate the Moab area and Bronco Off-Roadeo Moab.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Brazil local time on July 17, 2007, the TAM Airbus A320—now operating under the name LATAM—was arriving from Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre and attempted to land at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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