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
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 Both want as many records as possible to finish their careers as hands-down the greatest ever. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 Jan. 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hands-down
Adjective
  • Accessibility Elevators and ramps throughout make this modern complex easy to traverse.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • While some countries are opening new, easier pathways to citizenship or long-term residency options, others are tightening their requirements in ways that are slamming the door on millions of Americans hoping to settle there or get a second passport.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • There are nearby fishing villages that are definitely worth visiting, but no other places to stay within a 30-minute drive.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Oh no, they’re definitely entwined.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • That’s easily the highest figure among the 11 counties in the Charlotte metro region.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The ingredients in mayonnaise — an emulsion of oil, eggs and acid (lemon juice or vinegar) — can easily replace those individual components in cake batter, especially chocolate cake where the cocoa powder can mask any hint of mayonnaise.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Helium enables smooth production of semiconductors since the gas prevents unwanted chemical reactions in the manufacturing process.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Maxim Rud’s transition from intern to orthopedic traumatologist wasn’t smooth or gradual.
    Mariia Yastreba, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Gonzales is certainly a name to watch in Charlotte’s quarterback battle, throwing for 6,682 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions spanning three years at Western Carolina.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • For families While the friendly staff and spacious rooms are certainly hospitable to families, the overall vibe takes its cues from the neighborhood–chic, cool, and largely for adults.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Your calm presence makes agreements work smoothly.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Document decisions so next week’s tasks start smoothly.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Lord John informs his sad-sack drunk son William that his cousin Ben died and Ben’s surprise widow Amaranthus and baby Trevor appeared at his doorstep.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Their work also informs creative direction, messaging, and timing across channels, helping teams apply audience insights in ways that can inform more aligned campaign decisions.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In Catanzaro Lido, a beach town along the Ionian coast, meals tend to be simple and communal.
    Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • In her first interview since becoming head of content at Disney+ EMEA, Angela Jain has said the message to writers and producers is simple, the streamer is going to greenlight more originals from the region and will be backing that effort with extra funds for local fare.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 25 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2026.

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