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 Her business came in handy to make things happen for the event. — Zuri Primos july 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026 Season in Layers Adjacent to tasting and adjusting, seasoning in layers encourages cooks to keep those salt pigs and pepper grinders handy. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 16 July 2026 Now, new security research shows those handy nearby-sharing tools can also create a wireless opening around your phone. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026 The bucket hat was already coming in handy, but sadly, the tops of my legs that weren’t covered by my shorts were suffering within minutes. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 15 July 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
  • Moviegoing Has Become More Event-Driven Streaming has made ordinary movie consumption extraordinarily convenient, which raises the bar for getting people into theaters.
    — David Deal, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The partial eclipse here approaches 30%, and the park's lakeside campgrounds provide convenient overnight access for Perseid watching later that evening.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of convenient
Adjective
  • The athlete at issue is older and likely more experienced, more skilled and stronger than an incoming freshman who would otherwise occupy the roster spot.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 July 2026
  • Unlike financial capital, skilled workers cannot be mobilized overnight in response to new policies or investment opportunities.
    — Elena Bou, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of skilled
Adjective
  • The majority of the hotel is accessible via elevators and ramps, but there are a handful of split levels because of the historic nature of the property.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026
  • Accessibility The hotel’s nine accessible rooms and suites include wheelchair-accessible doors and showers and lowered light switches, peepholes, and toilets.
    — Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
Definition of accessible
Adjective
  • Financial success is less about any one clever trick and more about consistency, education, and adjusting course as your life evolves.
    — AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The clever mind outplays the strong Who rush with fury all day long.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • The Patriot system is the only method currently capable of intercepting Russia’s ballistic missiles.
    — Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
  • The contractors capable of multimillion-dollar government work.
    — Deloris Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of capable
Adjective
  • Jordan's first try from a chip kick by Jordie Barrett and a skillful recovery by Leroy Carter gave New Zealand the lead for the first time and against the run of play in the 30th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of skillful
Adjective
  • Sing, muse, of the cunning Christopher Nolan, who has once again achieved the impossible.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
  • In the classic tradition, this bit of strategic genius is the ultimate proof of Odysseus’s mētis, or cunning intelligence.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • In 2018, 31% of students at PS 40Q in South Jamaica were proficient in English.
    — Read Alliance, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The International Criteria for ECG Interpretation in Athletes has reduced false-positive rates to approximately 3% when ECGs are interpreted by physicians proficient in these standards.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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