Synonyms of handles

handles 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of handle

1

as in manages

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

• manages
• addresses
• manipulates
• treats
• negotiates
• takes
• plays
• maneuvers
• swings
• contends (with)
• fields
• pulls
• controls
• grapples (with)
• comes to grips with
• hacks
• has a grip on
• regulates
• copes (with)
• engineers
• steers
• directs
• guides
• carries out
• finesses
• gets off
• responds (to)
• reacts (to)
• carries off
• commands
• runs
• jockeys
• brings off
• micromanages

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fumbles
• mishandles
• bungles
• botches
• muffs
• messes (up)
• goofs (up)
• louses up
• scamps
• foozles

2

as in treats

to behave toward in a stated way

handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude

Synonyms & Similar Words

• treats
• serves
• uses
• is (to)
• acts (toward)
• deals (with)
• regards
• does by
• considers
• responds (to)
• reacts (to)
• views
• engages (with)
• rates
• reckons
• esteems

3

as in operates

to control the mechanical operation of

learned how to handle basic woodworking power tools

Synonyms & Similar Words

• operates
• uses
• works
• runs
• manipulates
• drives
• wields
• controls
• maneuvers
• directs
• guides
• steers
• plies
• commands
• pilots

4

as in supervises

to look after and make decisions about

she takes care of the flower beds, and he handles all the lawn care

Synonyms & Similar Words

• manages
• operates
• supervises
• oversees
• regulates
• controls
• conducts
• runs
• governs
• directs
• administers
• tends
• keeps
• guides
• protects
• administrates
• watches over
• overlooks
• superintends
• carries on
• leads
• steers
• presides (over)
• watches
• stewards
• guards
• safeguards
• cares (for)
• minds
• pilots
• micromanages
• stage-manages
• codirects
• comanages

5

as in accepts

to put up with (something painful or difficult)

I can't handle much more of this foul weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accepts
• stands
• tolerates
• endures
• takes
• sustains
• absorbs
• bears
• supports
• wears
• swallows
• meets
• sticks out
• stands for
• pockets
• lives with
• abides
• stomachs
• hacks
• lumps (it)
• goes
• brooks
• countenances
• sweats out
• bides
• suffers
• allows
• permits
• toughs it out
• reconciles (to)
• yields (to)
• submits (to)
• consents (to)
• agrees (with or to)
• respects
• assents (to)
• acquiesces
• capitulates

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuses
• rejects
• dismisses
• declines
• resists
• opposes
• turns down
• avoids
• repudiates
• spurns
• fights
• combats
• escapes
• misses
• contests
• bypasses
• evades
• circumvents
• eludes
• dodges
• refrains (from)
• abstains (from)
• forbears

6

as in oversees

to be in charge of

I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• supervises
• oversees
• manages
• steers
• commands
• directs
• controls
• heads
• runs
• bosses
• overlooks
• guides
• watches over
• orders
• superintends
• administers
• monitors
• shows
• captains
• calls the tune (for)
• calls the shots (of)
• rides herd on
• quarterbacks
• governs
• rules
• reigns
• presides (over)
• shepherds

handles

2 of 2

noun

plural of handle

1

as in grips

a part by which an implement is held

was given a set a steak knives with wooden handles

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grips
• hilts
• bows
• loops
• handgrips
• hafts
• helves
• shafts
• handlebars
• bars
• bails
• crops
• broomsticks
• whipstocks

2

as in names

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

• names
• monikers
• titles
• nomenclatures
• nicknames
• designations
• banners
• epithets
• denominations
• surnames
• pseudonyms
• cognomens
• denotations
• compellations
• appellations
• given names
• appellatives
• first names
• family names
• Christian names
• labels
• aliases
• maiden names
• tags
• baptismal names
• pen names
• middle names
• trivial names
• forenames
• brand names
• trade names
• patronymics
• matronymics
• sobriquets
• diminutives
• noms de plume
• bynames
• cryptonyms
• monomials
• trademarks
• noms de guerre
• binomials
• rubrics
• hypocorisms
• vernaculars
• misnomers

3

as in nicknames

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

• nicknames
• epithets
• surnames
• monikers
• aliases
• pseudonyms
• labels
• tags
• bynames
• cognomens
• titles
• sobriquets
• denominations
• designations
• pen names
• denotations
• appellations
• noms de plume
• anonyms
• noms de guerre

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of handles

Verb

California’s Labor Commissioner handles retaliation complaints arising under laws within its jurisdiction. — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

James’ office also handles other criminal work and has the power to investigate every death in the state involving law enforcement. — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The same is true of an observer of the object, or of someone who handles it. — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Double-bowl designs, such as Ruvati’s 33-inch model, let one side stay clean while the other handles prep. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026

For Success​ The promise of agentic AI in finance is a better division of labor, where AI handles routine execution and finance professionals focus on higher-value work. — Ari Widlansky, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Tech co-founded Strange Music with O’Guin, building an independent company that handles recording, merchandise, touring, marketing and other functions in-house. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

The seeker handles important parts of the targeting process inside the weapon itself. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Latido Films handles international sales on the Spain-France-Mexico co-production, produced by Spain’s MLK Producciones and Horizon Media with France’s Plan B et Compagnie and Mexico’s Monstro Films. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

The days of swinging plastic handles may be coming to an end. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

The tight-fitting lid helps retain heat and moisture, and the wide handles provide a secure grip. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Sep. 2026

Métier’s Passerby North-South tote bag has a full-zip closure, sturdy handles, and plenty of pockets. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

Others praised the comfortable handles, sleek look, and substantial weight. — Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026

The high heat and harsh detergents can damage both handles and blades. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

On top of being a roomy bag, Pitt’s $5,590 weekender came with plenty of pockets, including two large flap pockets with buckled straps on one side, with double tabs securing the handles above. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

In addition to sagging roofs and mold issues, buyers notice minor maintenance issues, including peeling paint, loose door handles, and dripping faucets, Ryan says. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 Sep. 2026

The handles, naturally, began as wax models before being remade in metal by artisans. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026