HANDS ON Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

hands-on 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hands-on

as in direct

actively and personally involved in something Supervisors at the company are expected to take a hands-on role in the projects of their subordinates.

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hands on

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hand on

as in passes (down)

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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-on

Adjective

Crafted, Appellation Hotels’ seasonal program of on-site classes and workshops, connects guests with local artists and craftmakers through hands-on activities. — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 Another way Madison Social fosters community is through its hands-on charcuterie workshops and private workshops for small groups. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 The non-profit theater, which already runs on tight margins, creates immersive hands-on productions designed for young people and their families. — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Located inside a building previously occupied by Silicon Graphics, the museum will host a variety of activities and hands-on demos celebrating inventions like the Atari, Apple I and Commodore 64. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hands-on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hands-on

Adjective

For maximum flowering, select a growing location with rich, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei had again poured cold water on the notion of direct negotiations with the United States.

— Mike Sheen, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

Spending time with friends and enjoying activities like golf, fishing, or attending sporting events encourages connection and supports an active lifestyle.

— Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
Their active roster is predominantly right-handed, which clogs up some of the lineup decisions for Roberts.

— Katie Woo, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of active

Adjective

The company has committed to investing at least $1 billion to construct one roughly 300,000-square-foot facility, but the campus could expand to include up to five primary buildings, officials have said.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026
Whether Castillo and Gausman can return to form and help their respective clubs get deep into October will be a primary storyline here the rest of the year.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of primary

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hands-on

hands on

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“Hands-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hands-on. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hands-on

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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