hands-down 1 of 3

Definition of hands-downnext

hands down

2 of 3

adverb

hands down

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of hand down

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 hands-down
Adjective
Pants are hands-down my hardest clothing category to shop for. Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025 Pottery Barn is hands-down one of the best places to find beautiful quilts for year-round use. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025 For the dip enthusiasts, this is a hands-down crowdpleaser. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025 But all these years later, Nintendo has finally beat Midway to it, and to be honest, DKB is probably my favorite game of 2025, hands-down. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Everyone should visit the Glasgow-meets-Gotham hilltop Necropolis and mosh at a gig at the Barrowland Ballroom—hands-down the country’s best live music venue—while there’s no better place to go gourmet than in Finnieston (rejoice while eating at The Gannet or, UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers). Mike MacEacheran, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2025 How to Get Around Renting a car is hands-down the easiest way to explore the peninsula. Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025 But the hands-down star of the museum’s largest show space is the de Havilland DH106 1A Comet. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hands-down
Adjective
  • In October 2023, Jemma DeCristo tweeted on social media there’s easy access to Zionist journalists who spread propaganda and misinformation.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • HotHands Hand Warmers are a convenient and easy way to stay warm and provide a boost of heat without taking extra layers.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • All told, whether a dive bar is in a downtown area, off a busy main street or hidden in a neighborhood, these are beloved spots that draw regulars and newcomers for the drinks, perhaps a good bar burger, but definitely the camaraderie.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Except, of course, there definitely have been Mexicans protesting ICE actions, flying Mexican flags and saying California and Texas were stolen from them.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Polka dots bring visual interest without overwhelming a look, pairing easily with solid staples.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • If the dollar bill pulls out easily, the gasket needs to be replaced.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The TikTok-beloved Dyson Supersonic is designed to protect hair from extreme heat damage and frizz while leaving locks extra smooth and shiny.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The hatch handles well and has a smooth ride quality.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Teams that may have some postseason games to play are certainly showing themselves as playoff scenarios take shape in KC-area and regional college football.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Even on Saturday, in a game that was almost certainly his best, Michkov was on the ice for just 14 minutes and 10 seconds.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Although the meeting went smoothly and led to concrete commitments, the bonhomie was strained by uncomfortable questions at a news conference about the issue hanging over the day’s diplomacy.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Their study on the jagged frontier shows that AI capability spikes and dips across activities rather than rising smoothly with difficulty.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Michelle reflected on how both of her parents instilled confidence in her from a young age which unquestionably informs her style sensibility to date.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Unfortunately, Devnan soon informs Sarah and her parents that there’s no oil on her land.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Bruce Blair, a former Air Force launch officer and nuclear policy expert, between 1962 and the mid-1970s the most powerful digits on the globe were simple – eight zeros.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That something as simple as a COVID vaccine might improve survival in cancer patients receiving standard immunotherapy has taken oncologists by surprise — in a good way.
    Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hands-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hands-down. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!