HANDFULS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

handfuls

noun

variants also handsful

plural of handful

as in couples

a small number only a handful of people signed up for the wintertime hike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 handfuls One account describes pouring 40 handfuls of water, each accompanied by good wishes; another describes pouring water 40 times over the newborn’s head using an eggshell. — Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 Her supporters flooded the comments section on handfuls of posts from TikTok to Instagram. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 Not only would the ’70s see a precipitous rise of in the number of Hollywood sequels, but any film that managed to cut through the zeitgeist gave birth to handfuls of quick, formulaic, often cheaply made, copycats. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 For some greens, stir in two big handfuls of spinach with the tomato sauce and cook until wilted. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 Begin by mashing the garlic and a bit of salt with the flat side of a chef’s knife, then work in the basil in handfuls until finely chopped. — Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026 Stabilize with More Sand After all the pavers are in place, toss handfuls of sand over the entire area. — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2026 Instead of grabbing handfuls straight from the bag, serve it in a small bowl or buy individual packs to help manage portions. — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 27 June 2026 For me, part of the appeal is that no two handfuls ever taste exactly the same. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handfuls

Noun

The mix of guests ranges from trendy couples lounging in dressing gowns on a spa break to outdoorsy types wearing messy boots and young families with grandparents in tow on the hunt for some truly fresh air.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
During the panel, the four artists not only demonstrated their unique and spontaneous personalities, but also bonded on being power couples, having children and the challenges of creating music together.

— Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of couples

Browse Nearby Words

handful

handfuls

hand glass

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Handfuls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handfuls. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of handfuls

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes