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
But his hands-down, semi-reckless style typically gives opponents a high offensive floor early in the fight, which has always been a concern of mine. Brett Appley, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2026 Twinning with Hathaway would be thrilling at any point, but especially so with my hands-down favorite pair of sweats. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026 My favorite sneakers in my closet right now are hands-down this slim Tokyo style from Adidas. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026 Best Mid Size 3-Row SUV Hyundai Palisade Redesigned for 2026, the even more modern and luxurious Hyundai Palisade was hands-down our judges favorite. Scotty Reiss, Parents, 24 Feb. 2026 But for now the Guggenheim Dodgers are the best at spending their money, have the best head of baseball operations in Andrew Friedman, have the hands-down best manager in Dave Roberts. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026 My hands-down favorite room was the bathroom. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026 This is hands-down my favorite percale cotton duvet cover. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2026 Welcome back to the most scintillating, compelling, thrilling, and hands-down drunkest literary advice column this side of the lord’s internet. Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hands-down
Adjective
  • Then Ohtani chased a sinker off the plate and chopped a slow bouncer to Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes, giving him an easy play at second.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
  • Say what’s true, then follow through in a way that’s consistent and easy to maintain.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
Adverb
  • Lazare definitely set the tone Thursday, batting third in the bottom of the first inning and driving the ball over the fence in center field for a two-run homer to spark the Storm to an 11-5 Upstate Eight win over visiting Larkin.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • This is definitely the day to do something.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Adverb
  • Opponents to the change, however, say there will be no easy way to ensure people are following these rules, and various state gun laws, when mailing easily concealable handguns.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Further, knowledge is distributed and often tacit, so can’t easily be bundled into one AI mind.
    Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The bark is smooth and slate-gray with distinctive white longitudinal stripes that become more fissured and rough as the tree matures.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 4 May 2026
  • There was no one cooler, smoother and more casual on the field than Robinson Canó, who starred in nine seasons (2005-13) with the Yankees.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Adverb
  • Sadly, the project is almost certainly a fantasy.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Shareef Elaydi certainly falls into that top-end category.
    Glenn Reeves, Mercury News, 10 May 2026
Adverb
  • November 22 – December 21 One small change could help everything run more smoothly.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 One small change could help everything run more smoothly.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • As a major destination for outdoor parties ranging from pop-up shops for local vendors to off-season wedding celebrations, the team informs guests of any events on the agenda before booking, so each stay is suitable to visitor preferences.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
  • Ahead, Quintrell walks IndieWire through how the series tweaks, alters, and informs new perspective for everyone from Charlotte Lucas to Caroline Bingley and, of course, Mary Bennet herself.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • These are products have a short, simple ingredient lists that are easy to understand for regular consumers and are free from additives.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 May 2026
  • Sometimes this involved simple in-person observations.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hands-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hands-down. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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