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
Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025
Their skill in handling intricate legal issues, advocating for justice, and spearheading meaningful change distinguishes them as leaders in the industry.
—William Jones, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Pacheco, with a fast handle, strong conditioning and a solid midrange game and finishing ability, averaged 20.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4 assists and three steals.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
Both practical and polished, the mudroom is designed to handle muddy boots and overflowing garden clippings in style.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025
Their skill in handling intricate legal issues, advocating for justice, and spearheading meaningful change distinguishes them as leaders in the industry.
—William Jones, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
The chip, manufactured on 12nm process, works along the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC to help the new phone handle heavy graphical processing.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Pacheco, with a fast handle, strong conditioning and a solid midrange game and finishing ability, averaged 20.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4 assists and three steals.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
Advice for other state leaders on managing this moment in the energy revolution?—
Joan Michelson,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
According to former staff, only a handful of employees were not terminated—primarily those working abroad, who have until April 9 to return to the United States, and the regional vice presidents who manage operations in their respective areas.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
However, dietary supplements are not meant to treat or cure any underlying disease and should be used in addition to lifestyle changes for optimal benefit.—
Elizabeth Barnes,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2025
-
To treat allies worse than enemies and raise taxes on consumers and businesses at a time when the cost of living is a major concern is anything but commonsense.—
The Editors,
National Review,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Debt Relief in New York: How to Find a Debt Settlement Provider Several debt settlement companies operate within the Empire State.—
Kat Tretina,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Vimeo has been operating in the space for some time, offering a suite of tools to help video producers distribute and monetize their content.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Among the film’s interviewees are two former nuns at the school and the abbot who supervised several of the priests accused of rape and murder.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2025
-
By strictly supervising the pasteurization process, Evangelina ensured that no infants would die due to tainted milk supplies.—
Laura Gómez,
Scientific American,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Despite its potency, it’s tolerated well by most skin types because it’s formulated with alcohol or fragrance.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Once again, this type of violent attack will not be tolerated.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In his role, Mr. Fernandez oversees every department and uses his leadership skills to execute the company's vision.—
Jennifer Pierce,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2025
-
So much life happened in that station, said Jeana Johnson, who oversees museums in Sedgwick County.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Now, companies are betting that machines can tackle a wider range of tasks by mimicking the ways that people walk, bend, twist, reach, grip and generally get things done.—
Cade Metz,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Speaking of the ocean, this formula blends deep sea plant extracts with rice bran for antioxidant properties, with polymers and mineral powders for grip and makeup’s overall staying power.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Enter your full name, email address and other account information to verify your identity.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
-
California was the first state to adopt a policy in 2019 by enacting the Fair Pay to Play Act, which allowed college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, effectively pressuring the NCAA to do the same.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share