hand-wringing

noun

hand-wring·​ing ˈhand-ˌriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce hand-wringing (audio)
Synonyms of hand-wringingnext
: an overwrought expression of concern or guilt
a lot of hand-wringing over the state of the economy
handwringer noun

Examples of hand-wringing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And the burnout risk is real, not generational hand-wringing. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The lack of hand-wringing from outside legacy media may indicate a bigger shift. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026 Would all the hand-wringing about the price be moot after experiencing one? Sara Lacey, The Drive, 25 June 2026 Signs of greater regulatory scrutiny in the country's semiconductor sector also added to the hand-wringing. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Signs of greater regulatory scrutiny in the country's semiconductor sector also added to the hand-wringing. ABC News, 22 June 2026 Many of the hand-wringing pieces written at the 2014 World Cup were in the English language, as is this article. Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Normally, this time of year for Bay Area residents means blooms of orange poppies, graduation announcements and hand-wringing over the San Francisco Giants’ record. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 May 2026 But this hand-wringing has led to little tangible reform. Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 11 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand-wringing was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Hand-wringing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand-wringing. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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