HANDHOLD Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

handhold

noun

ˈhand-ˌhōld

Definition of handhold

as in grip

the act or manner of holding she tried to maintain her tight handhold on the umbrella as the wind picked up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 handhold The steep route is laced with a via Ferrata—the system, invented in the Dolomites, of metal handholds, footholds, and cables that climbers can clip into and follow all the way up. — Darrell Hartman, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2024 Instead of using natural handholds in the rock, via ferrata climbers move almost exclusively using artificial hardware drilled into the rock face, such as chains, cables, bridges, and ladders, and are attached to these fixtures via a tether and harness at all times. — Owen Clarke, Outside, 29 Sep. 2025 Making his way blindly back around the jagged metal shard, moving along the side of the Gemini—finding the handholds and Velcro and the ship’s aft cable without the benefit of vision, all the while battling to keep his heart rate under control—was no small thing. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025 In several photos and videos posted on social media, the 30-year-old can be seen descending the sheer face of the crater and gripping handholds while performing various acrobatic tricks before falling into the volcanic waters below. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for handhold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handhold

Noun

The ring finger is typically slightly shorter than the middle finger, but the two work closely together, generating grip strength and stabilizing the hand.

— Steven Lautzenheiser, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of grip

Noun

In comparison, the Sparks, without an offensive rebound until the end of the third quarter, were forced to make perfect shots, though that was far from the team’s grasp.

— Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
For much of the last six years, control has escaped the former top prospect’s grasp.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Definition of grasp

Browse Nearby Words

handguns

handhold

hand-holding

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Style

“Handhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handhold. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of handhold

noun

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