as in management
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something
the handling of proper order in the courtroom is the job of the sergeant at arms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in managing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in treating
to behave toward in a stated way
handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in operating
to control the mechanical operation of
learned how to handle basic woodworking power tools
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in supervising
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 tolerating
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 overseeing
to be in charge of
I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation
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 handling
Dylan Lysen,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2026
The catalyst, in Dalio’s telling, was the United States’ handling of Iran’s seizure of the Strait of Hormuz.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for handling
Noun
The commissioners also praised the department’s communication surrounding the highway shootings incident, despite the department facing criticism over its handling of information.
—
Dylan Lysen,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2026
The catalyst, in Dalio’s telling, was the United States’ handling of Iran’s seizure of the Strait of Hormuz.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
Verb
Human resources specialists These workers oversee hiring, orientation and ongoing support for employees, handling recruitment, benefits and workplace concerns.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for handling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handling
Noun
-
Gautam Mukunda writes about corporate management and innovation.
-
Union leadership said this week that the league was not formally asked by management to meet and confer over various charter proposals dealing with the LAPD, including the one focused on policy.
Verb
-
Cruise lines are constantly managing a shifting inventory of cabin categories right up until embarkation day.
-
The lack of Navy interest in managing NAVFAC leads, at best, to a leisurely approach to getting anything done.
Verb
-
Hosts are treating the tablescape as a love language and bringing back small rituals like candles, cloth napkins, good china on a random weeknight and a toast before the first bite.
-
Teacher Pritul Patel said the school's culture embraces students' differences rather than treating them as obstacles.
Verb
-
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insecurity has worsened as the militants have started operating in the southern region.
-
The supervisors unanimously approved a lease in May allowing American to add two more daily round trips from Carlsbad to Phoenix in the 76-seat Embraer 175 jets that have been operating out of Palomar since February 2025.
Verb
-
As the investigation continues, authorities are using the tragedy to urge parents to prioritize water safety by supervising young children, learning CPR and keeping emergency equipment on hand.
-
Mark Montefiore is executive producer, with Max Wolfond serving as supervising producer and Logan Midroni as producer for New Metric Media.
Verb
-
Leaving would mean becoming a beginner again, tolerating uncertainty and risking an imperfect decision.
-
Spanish and French lavender varieties, in particular, are known for tolerating high temperatures the best.
Verb
-
Keeler is one of the scientists overseeing the study.
-
Burnham has led the Greater Manchester region since 2017, overseeing rapid regeneration for the city where the Industrial Revolution was forged.
Noun
-
According to the charges, the ATF was conducting a firearms trafficking task force operation on June 9 in Country Club Hills.
-
Christian Gutierrez, senior vice president of Hivemind at Shield AI, said mission autonomy will play a central role in future airpower operations.
Cite this Entry
“Handling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handling. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
