1
as in to manage
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
as host of a live TV talk show, she must handle any situation that comes up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way
handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about
she takes care of the flower beds, and he handles all the lawn care
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to tolerate
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
I can't handle much more of this foul weather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to oversee
to be in charge of
I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in name
a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known
likes to go by the handle "Champ"
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in nickname
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual
since it seemed decreed that every new firefighter have a handle, his was soon "Hulk"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 handle
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
This could be anything from a sticker or patch to a ribbon—or something that does double duty, such as these brightly colored neoprene handle wraps.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Oka, a 6-foot-8 freshman, is a natural scorer who has a shifty handle and defensive tools to shut down any top player.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
Island artisans shaped much of the transformation, handling everything from masonry repairs to custom windows to cabinetry and furniture, working with a level of care that respected the building’s age and character.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
This could be anything from a sticker or patch to a ribbon—or something that does double duty, such as these brightly colored neoprene handle wraps.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
Earlier this week, the Chinese government moved to ban retractable door handles in new cars following multiple deaths where occupants were trapped inside burning vehicles.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Oka, a 6-foot-8 freshman, is a natural scorer who has a shifty handle and defensive tools to shut down any top player.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
So now, a team that has defeated conference leaders such as Oklahoma City, Denver, Detroit and New York, also has managed to fall to the lottery likes of Utah, Indiana and Sacramento, with the 15-40 Pelicans up next.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Interestingly, and likely due to the fact that all six episodes were released at once, Steal even managed to make Luminate’s Top 50 list just based on its first two days of viewing.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Thursday’s move reflects lawmakers’ significant interest in how foreign allies treat American companies.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Lovely was arrested in connection with the stabbing and is also being treated at Atrium Hospital.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Milwaukee grocery stores will also operate regular business hours on Presidents Day.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The next stage of reward prediction depends on the fact that the reward system does not operate in isolation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Caring for a betta can help kids learn responsibility, routine, and empathy when adults guide and supervise the process.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
-
These workers keep companies running smoothly, often supervising multiple teams, the report says.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Glycine is generally well-tolerated but can cause digestive side effects such as diarrhea, gas, or stomach pain.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Trump cannot tolerate the reality of others rejecting him.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Referee Dan Schachner, a longtime referee, will oversee the action.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Season 51 continued in January with Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard joined by rapper A$AP Rocky, 2026 Oscar nominee Teyana Taylor with the band Geese, and Skarsgård overseeing the show's milestone 1,000th episode.—
Jillian Sederholm,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The hand will feel sore or weak, struggling with grip.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
As the rock glided down the ice sheet, Casper and his teammates slowly started to come to grips with the reality of the situation.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The department has made public millions of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act but has withheld millions more that officials contend would reveal the names of people who accused Epstein of abuse or cover the department's legal analysis of the case.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The speech and debate clause, under Article 1, Section 6, of the Constitution, gives these members immunity from liability for defamation when reading the list of names aloud in court.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
