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

The school offers classroom and hands-on field courses steeped in Indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, and minority history and culture. — Caterina Morbiato, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026 Travel journalist and television host Joseph Rosendo took a similarly hands-on approach to his Provence itinerary. — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026 The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 The tech company will begin a longer tour of the country with the same purpose next year, taking a mobile center to rural and urban communities that aims to help older adults get hands-on experience with the technology. — Greta Reich, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hands-on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hands-on

Adjective

On many of the songs, Beck broke into a falsetto that was a direct homage to Prince.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
CFOs and operators should recognize that redemption pressure from 401(k) vehicles is structurally buffered at the fund level and is unlikely to translate into direct liquidity demands at the PortCo level.

— Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

For those looking to get active, the hotel offers access to golf courses, tennis courts, bike and boat rentals, and access to a nearby fitness facility.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
New York has starter Geno Smith and rookie Cade Kubnik, a fourth-rounder, on its active roster, so Levis would be the third-string quarterback and inactive on game day unless he's promoted from the practice squad.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of active

Adjective

Orbit is Flight 14’s primary focus, and only by achieving that milestone can SpaceX move on to clear the rocket’s remaining hurdles.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026
The primary bedroom overlooks the High Line, with an en-suite bathroom that has a separate soaking tub and glass shower stall.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of primary

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handsomeness

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 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hands-on

adjective

verb

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