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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

hands on

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hand on

as in passes (down)

Related Words

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

Since 2018, the two-day experience has provided young people with hands-on learning, mentorship, and teamwork-building exercises. — Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 12 July 2026 Bottom line The United States Gold Bureau may be a strong choice for investors who want hands-on guidance when adding precious metals to their retirement strategy. — Javier Simon, USA Today, 11 July 2026 The farm education center, Maplehouse, is also a highlight; weekly hands-on classes are hosted here regularly, as well as private events. — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026 Even with the pharmaceutical upgrade, early trials required a tedious, hands-on batch process. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hands-on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hands-on

Adjective

Perhaps that’s because the book is a direct result of the authors’ own friendship.

— Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
The demonstration showcased the aircraft’s ability to coordinate complex maneuvers without direct pilot intervention, an important capability for future collaborative combat operations.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

Unlike then, however, there has been no active conflict within the country’s borders during this spate of violence.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
These effects reflect what’s currently active in the mind, not necessarily hidden or repressed thoughts.

— Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Definition of active

Adjective

Leaving spring training, one of the primary concerns for the Rangers was its bullpen, and halfway through the season this group ranks 10th in MLB.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
The district’s surveillance traps show numbers of Culex mosquitos — the primary vectors of West Nile virus — are at their highest.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of primary

Browse Nearby Words

handsomeness

hands-on

hands on

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hands-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hands-on. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of hands-on

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

quid pro quo

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes