handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē How to pronounce handy (audio)
Definition of handynext
1
as in convenient
situated within easy reach keeps a box of tissue handy whenever she watches Romeo and Juliet on her home theater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skilled
skillful with the hands handy with a needle and thread

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 handy With Sandburg racing out to 7-1 and 8-3 leads in the third game, that came in handy. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 And because nobody has time to dig around for their keys, the handy internal snap pocket and magnetic closure make busy days a little easier. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026 This inertia can come in handy if the engine dies, because the rotor will continue to spin and allow the pilot to descend under control, in an emergency technique known as autorotation. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 Oct. 2026 That buzz could last a few days, which will come in handy when that alarm clock rings. — Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handy
  1. convenient
  2. skilled
  3. accessible
  4. clever
  5. capable
  6. skillful
  7. cunning
  8. proficient
Adjective
  • But even the hardest-to-please folks are usually thrilled with a techy gift that makes their life easier, more convenient or just more fun.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The hardest part is often matching the format to the problem rather than simply choosing what’s most convenient.
    — Karen Koehler, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of convenient
Adjective
  • Trump’s notoriety for corruption may finally be eclipsing his populist appeal, and even rhetoricians as skilled as Jennings have difficulty making a case for him.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Provincial officials are counting on the project to deliver billions of dollars in investment, highly skilled jobs and a market for surplus wind power.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of skilled
Adjective
  • The Ultra focuses on delivering strong electric dirt bike performance at a more accessible price, while the Storm extends that concept with additional performance and control.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Cramer likes Coach's position in the accessible luxury market, particularly its popularity among younger female consumers.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of accessible
Adjective
  • For el Sayed, the challenge will be proving that the invitation amounts to more than a clever political exchange.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Here are some tips, tricks, and hacks; not to mention some clever decorating ideas to elevate a holiday meal into something extraordinary.
    — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Skepta’s still more than capable of keeping up with the kids.
    — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Universities need institutions capable of sustaining serious debate after a visiting speaker leaves campus.
    — Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of capable
Adjective
  • But be that guy that can be skillful, a bruiser, fast and tough.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • As Musashi scrambles through a school of Samurai, the game seamlessly bounces between skillful swordplay, rowdy improvisation, and Looney Tunes-style levity.
    — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of skillful
Adjective
  • In Kate’s office, Bromilow is Agnes, Kate’s boss, with an apex predator’s instincts and a medieval court’s management style; Macmillan plays Brian an effortlessly charming, quietly ruthless high-flyer; Hill is Georgie, Kate’s cunning rival.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026
  • But some directors are more cunning – like Howard Davies, who came to the house to talk about Mother Courage and only told me the good bits.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the percentage of English language learners who were proficient in science, also as measured by the ACT, went up by more than 4 percentage points.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Organizations need periods when employees can become proficient with new systems, develop confidence in unfamiliar procedures and actually experience the benefits of changes already introduced.
    — Jason Richmond, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of proficient

Browse Nearby Words

handwrought
handy
handyman
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Cite this Entry

“Handy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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