MANHANDLE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

manhandle

verb

ˈman-ˌhan-dᵊl

Definition of manhandle

as in to abuse

to abuse physically charges that the police manhandled peaceful protesters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to bully

to inflict physical or emotional harm upon if you see anyone manhandling a child, you should call the authorities

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 manhandle Orlando manhandled Charlotte so thoroughly and so early Friday night that the game was over by halftime, when the Magic had amassed an astonishing 31-point lead. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2026 Did something get squashed en route, then manhandled by Kennedy? — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026 Boston also struggled with its perimeter shooting (eight made 3-pointers on a season-low-tying 28 attempts) but manhandled the Raptors inside, setting a new franchise record for points in the paint (76) in the play-by-play era. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026 But this year’s edition could be the best one yet, and the Wolverines will get a chance to prove that next week in Indianapolis after manhandling Tennessee 95-62 yesterday at the United Center to clinch a spot in the Final Four. — Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manhandle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for manhandle

Verb

When Platner arrived, the place seemed haunted not only by American misconduct but also by Saddam Hussein’s use of it to imprison and abuse political dissidents during his reign.

— Jasper Craven, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
To overturn the trial court's decision would require an appellate court to find that the trial court abused its discretion ― which is a very high bar to hurdle.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of abuse

Verb

Parents lodged complaints about coaches, at least one athlete claimed they were being bullied and harassed by a teammate, and rival programs raised concerns about the team’s behavior in competitions.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
For a long time, our leading hypothesis was bullying and violence, but that may be a bit impractical, given their kingdoms are vast networks of tunnels that can stretch for up to three kilometers.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

Definition of bully

Verb

Backstage, Jey Uso took out Sikoa, and Fatu and Jimmy Uso mauled LA Knight and Sikoa later in the night.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Chris Brown was found liable by a Los Angeles jury on Tuesday for $13 million in the gruesome case of a dog that mauled and disfigured his housekeeper at his home in 2020.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026

Definition of maul

Verb

In June, Hilton returned to the Provo Canyon School to support two families who filed lawsuits alleging that their children were mistreated at the school.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
This is not the only group of women who’ve been mistreated and not listened to.

— Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of mistreat

Verb

In WalletHub's current ranking, United posts the lowest rates of cancellations, delays, mishandled bags and denied boardings.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
During Wednesday's press conference, NAACP President Derrick Johnson accused investigators of mishandling the case.

— Elise Gregg, NPR, 22 July 2026

Definition of mishandle

Verb

Each competitor was giving it their all with brutalizing chops, tough suplexes and going above and beyond to try to win that championship.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026
The same curriculum includes Prophet Muhammed’s history of brutalizing Christians and Jewish people — a framing that Muslim families and interfaith advocates found issue with in public comment.

— Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Definition of brutalize

Verb

Okot applied that advice by limiting unnecessary dribbles and attacking the basket more efficiently.

— Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
With attacking talent aplenty – including star man Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola – Zidane will have to figure out a way to find harmony among his forward options.

— Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Definition of attack

Browse Nearby Words

mangy

manhandle

manhandled

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Cite this Entry

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“Manhandle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manhandle. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of manhandle

verb

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