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as in handwriting
the form or style of a particular person's writing doctors are famous for their illegible penmanship

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as in calligraphy
writing done by hand the students spend far more time honing their computer skills than they do improving their penmanship

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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 penmanship Learning cursive used to be standard in classrooms across the United States, with penmanship graded. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Jan. 2025 Most of these are from the Revolutionary War-era, known for looped and flowing penmanship. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Jan. 2025 The majority of the handwritten documents that need transcribing are from the Revolutionary War when writing in cursive was the standard form of penmanship, the outlet said. Danielle Jennings, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025 His penmanship and his notetaking skills are impressive. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penmanship
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penmanship
Noun
  • That student occasionally popped by her class to examine how her handwriting, but not her sentiment, had changed.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Dyspraxia is a motor coordination disorder that affects physical tasks such as coordination, handwriting, or balance.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • They were inspired by treasured calligraphy tools, and each brush features a unique walnut handle with distinctive grain.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
  • From long-lasting formulas to felt pens that behave almost like calligraphy markers, there’s an option for every skill level, eye shape, and makeup mood.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penmanship. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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