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Definition of handnext
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as in flank
a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line tall buildings rose on either hand nothing but wide open space on either hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in needle
an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information both hands of the clock pointed to 12

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as in signature
a person's name written in their own handwriting often given to indicate awareness or consent the subpoena required a lawyer's hand

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hand

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verb

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as in to pass
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another the clerk handed her the receipt

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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 hand
Noun
For a decision-maker watching agent pilots multiply across departments, this is where cost, access and audit either get governed or get out of hand. Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Before birth, genes guide how the hands grow, acting like a biological blueprint during development. Steven Lautzenheiser, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Verb
DeSoto has handed Carroll two state semifinal losses (2025 and 2023) in recent memory and will no longer be a roadblock in the path to state – that’s a significant development for the Dragons’ chances of winning their first state title since 2011. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 Herrera handed him $50 for his commissary account and posed for a photograph with him. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand
Noun
  • The autopsy also found that a gunshot wound entered Wiley on the right side of his chest and exited on the left side of his chest, Crump said.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • On the opposite side of the lobby is SparkHouse, a private members club and creative hub for up-and-coming musicians and creatives.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • But more than just making pretty designs, the threads in her needle were stitching a connection to her heritage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • One German tourist moved the needle on how Americans feel about his entire country.
    Frank Ahrens, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • In May, the EEOC filed a discrimination lawsuit against the New York Times alleging discrimination against a white male employee, which the Times has rejected as politically motivated.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Others said employees should come into the office and experience what could be one of Atlanta’s most significant moments on the global stage.
    Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • There was little or no organization among them, and some were scrawled in barely decipherable handwriting.
    Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
  • George Hodel’s handwriting also resembled that on notes sent by the killer to law enforcement.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • With Australia closing in on a winner in regulation with its young attack, Egypt settled in over the final 20 minutes or so to regain control of possession and find the more consistent threats on goal.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Mogbo grabbed the rebound, setting up Sacramento’s final possession.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
  • The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Despite government assurances, humanitarian groups warn that the scale of assistance still falls short of the need.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • For instance, in addition to covering repairs, Endurance plans come with perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, windshield repair, fob replacement and rental car reimbursement.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • But this should be guided and individualized by the right expert in terms of counseling and determining both the risks and benefits of sports based on the cardiac diagnosis and type of sport engaged in by the athlete.
    Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • Sandy Baum, an expert in education finance with the Urban Institute, said the new loan limits are unreasonably low, but uncapped borrowing was a real problem and some restrictions are necessary.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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