1
as in manages
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 treats
to behave toward in a stated way
handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in supervises
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 accepts
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 oversees
to be in charge of
I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in grips
a part by which an implement is held
was given a set a steak knives with wooden handles
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in names
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 nicknames
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.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of handles
Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Instead of micromanaging every finger, humans provide high-level input while the AI handles coordination.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The site handles advertising, booking and payments, in exchange for a 30% fee.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The Secretary of State also handles business registrations.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Today, a robotic system handles the cutting with precision born of thousands of prior procedures, while the human surgeon focuses entirely on judgment, risk assessment, and the decisions that require a human mind.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The site also handles general cargo and other exports propping up Russia's economy.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
Peter took on marketing and Gina handles social media.
—Edie Kasten, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The other port only handles 280-Mbps transfers and can’t be used for a display.
—Dwight Silverman, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
The sausage was held at an unsafe temperature, several food containers weren’t dated and the plastic spoons weren’t stored with the handles facing up.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
Grip Travel umbrella handles made with a rubber grip will provide the user with more balance and sturdiness when using the item.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The look, anchored by wooden floors and soothing blues, veers contemporary with hints of art deco in the curvaceous surfaces and bronze wardrobe handles shaped like tiny hands.
—Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2026
Company social handles will celebrate Earth Month across Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, YouTube and TikTok, including @Disney, @Disney+, @NatGeo, @NatGeoTV, @NatGeoAnimals, @NatGeoTravel, @NatGeoHistory, @NatGeoScience, @NatGeoYourShot, @NatGeoFamily, and @NatGeoDocs.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
This Shiranami set only extends that tradition, with deep-blue handles and bright white touches in a nod to the vibrant waves often depicted in Japanese art.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Its handles stay cool for safe handling and are double-riveted for durability.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy The journey to the titanium spork wound through Hollywood, forks with knives for handles, and a bizarre American craze for turtle soup.
—James Stout, Outside, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
One person handles the hotel, another takes on excursions, another manages dining.
—Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Instead of micromanaging every finger, humans provide high-level input while the AI handles coordination.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The site handles advertising, booking and payments, in exchange for a 30% fee.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The Secretary of State also handles business registrations.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Today, a robotic system handles the cutting with precision born of thousands of prior procedures, while the human surgeon focuses entirely on judgment, risk assessment, and the decisions that require a human mind.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The site also handles general cargo and other exports propping up Russia's economy.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
Peter took on marketing and Gina handles social media.
—Edie Kasten, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The other port only handles 280-Mbps transfers and can’t be used for a display.
—Dwight Silverman, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
There are three leather finishes available for the handles and accents—cognac, black and chocolate—all designed to pair with the brand’s backpack and briefcase ranges for a cohesive set.
—Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
The sausage was held at an unsafe temperature, several food containers weren’t dated and the plastic spoons weren’t stored with the handles facing up.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
Grip Travel umbrella handles made with a rubber grip will provide the user with more balance and sturdiness when using the item.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The look, anchored by wooden floors and soothing blues, veers contemporary with hints of art deco in the curvaceous surfaces and bronze wardrobe handles shaped like tiny hands.
—Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2026
Company social handles will celebrate Earth Month across Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, YouTube and TikTok, including @Disney, @Disney+, @NatGeo, @NatGeoTV, @NatGeoAnimals, @NatGeoTravel, @NatGeoHistory, @NatGeoScience, @NatGeoYourShot, @NatGeoFamily, and @NatGeoDocs.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
This Shiranami set only extends that tradition, with deep-blue handles and bright white touches in a nod to the vibrant waves often depicted in Japanese art.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Its handles stay cool for safe handling and are double-riveted for durability.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy The journey to the titanium spork wound through Hollywood, forks with knives for handles, and a bizarre American craze for turtle soup.
—James Stout, Outside, 29 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handles
Verb
-
Twenty years after her diagnosis, Stones manages the condition through regular exercise and good nutrition and advocates for bone health, developing bone-friendly recipes inspired by her love of baking and shared with the Royal Osteoporosis Society in the United Kingdom.—
Hadia Zainab,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Officials state the move will place leadership closer to the Western lands the agency manages and improve its mission.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The script, by Ed Solomon, treats the Sklar siblings as cardboard grotesques—heartless, talentless, united in their loathing of a father who loathes them right back.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Peterson is that archetype, and Tankathon’s board treats him like the kind of lead option who can reset a rebuild quickly.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The need in the north Overland Park operates one indoor pool, three outdoor pools and five water play areas to serve its population, according to the master plan draft.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The website operates without flashy graphics, partisan commentary, eyeball-grabbing videos, or the snark characteristic of partisan political media, instead presenting headlines and summaries in plain, unadorned fashion.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At Fordham University, hundreds of female students gather for Smart Women Securities meets to learn about analyzing equities and financial statements, according to Rosa Romeo, a Fordham accounting professor who supervises the group.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, the Minnesota State Patrol, which supervises security at the Capitol complex, had a more conservative estimate of around 100,000.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The facility currently only accepts trash from municipalities, not individual residents.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
1 Apr. 2026
-
For those who are not able to give instruments, the conservatory accepts monetary donations to its instrument repair fund.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Michel now oversees Larkin’s graduate medical educational programs and is chairman of Larkin University, which is governed separately from the hospital, said Smith, the hospital’s attorney.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Georgia is one of just three states that oversees its ash disposal program, which environmentalists have long criticized.—
Kristi Swartz,
AJC.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The states with the highest rates have utility rate commissions that do not seem to be able to come to grips with how to charge the data center operators.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The industry still cannot come to grips with the previously unfathomable scenario of the strait staying shuttered for a prolonged period of time.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Her heart features the side profiles of two residents wearing Indigenous attire in the foreground, and a map of the city’s East Side, with street names like Indiana Avenue, Holmes Street and Troost Avenue behind them.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Many of the most famous names in Mississippi civil-rights history got their start in Mound Bayou, or found support and safety there.—
Beverly Gage,
The Atlantic,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handles. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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