HANDS-ON Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

hands-on 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hands-on

as in direct

actively and personally involved in something Supervisors at the company are expected to take a hands-on role in the projects of their subordinates.

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hands on

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hand on

as in passes (down)

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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 hands-on

Adjective

Through the initiative, employees from across GSE’s business will participate in a structured engagement that combines AI education, hands-on workshops and collaborative development sessions to aid the agency’s day-to-day operations. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026 Lionni, a four-time Caldecott Honor winner, returns with a hands-on instruction guide for young readers to learn how to craft his signature collage-style rodents. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 July 2026 And hands-on conservation experiences like coral restoration and manta ray swims are available for guests of all ages, bringing everyone closer to the Great Astrolabe Reef nearby. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 Teaching them everything in the physical world takes time and plenty of hands-on supervision. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hands-on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hands-on

Adjective

This was a different era, when most teams at that level would have played direct, physical football.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
The last major hurricane to hit Miami-Dade County was the catastrophic Hurricane Andrew in 1992, but the city did not take a direct hit.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

Crochet missed the initial wins due to his routine, which differs significantly from those of active players.

— Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026
During the Champions League celebrations, before La Reina’s departure was public, Putellas was very active in supporting Serrajordi, including featuring her in a post-game, pre-party Instagram Live.

— Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of active

Adjective

If diversification were really the primary reason to own private equity, more capital would already be there for that reason alone.

— Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
The address of the shooting is listed as the primary residence for Elijah Bieniemy, according to online property records.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

Definition of primary

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handsomeness

hands-on

hands on

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Style

“Hands-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hands-on. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hands-on

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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