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
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
There are, however, a variety of B2B businesses out there tailored to handle services like these.
—Brit Morse, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
His Instagram profile, also under the handle @flipping_nj, has a reach of approximately 287,000 followers.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
While marketed as ideal starter pets for children, they were described by multiple users as difficult to handle and heartbreakingly short-lived.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
There are, however, a variety of B2B businesses out there tailored to handle services like these.
—Brit Morse, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Noun
Best Buy $300 REI Cute and compact, this portable battery has a fold-out handle, a 288-WH capacity, and weighs 8.3 pounds.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
His Instagram profile, also under the handle @flipping_nj, has a reach of approximately 287,000 followers.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
Cortisol can also manage how your body fat and muscles use glucose.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
-
The rest of the crimes followed the same pattern: Sometime between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., the suspects managed to break open a security gate and the front door to a store before emptying the register.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
While many performers cultivate a cohesive closet for both on and off the stage (see: Billie Eilish and her love of baggy attire, or Beyoncé and her love of red, white, and blue), Lana treats her public persona as something entirely separate.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
-
Demeanor Men’s Linen-blend Shirt Breathable shirts are a summer essential, and luckily, Amazon’s outlet is treating shoppers to this stylish short-sleeve version that’s just $13.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Everything from weather satellites to GPS satellites to telecommunications to nuclear missiles and other weapons of war rely on precise timing to operate properly.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
9 July 2025
-
These competitors often operate with striking similarity to your brand—similar names, logos, menu items or service offerings—while remaining technically compliant with local intellectual property laws.—
Mohaimina Haque,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Dogs should be supervised when chewing on a bone, and larger breeds should get large ones to prevent swallowing; there are also plenty of chew toys that have a similar texture to bones, which could be a good alternative.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
Labor costs can drop since workers can shift from manual weeding to supervising and maintaining the robots.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
But since azaleas tolerate heavy pruning and respond by sending out new shoots all along remaining stems, the shrubs work well when sheared into a formal hedge.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 July 2025
-
More precisely, Jews have been subjected to an invidious double standard: attacks, verbal and physical, that would never be tolerated against Blacks, gays and other minorities are not only tolerated, but often justified when directed at Jews.—
Alan M. Dershowitz,
New York Daily News,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
Both Trump and Biden oversaw the confirmation of hundreds of judges during their respective terms, reshaping the federal judiciary and altering the confirmation process.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
-
Senior editor Bess Pallares is overseeing the project on Oni’s end.—
Rob Salkowitz,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Amazon $100 Dick's Sporting Goods Great for upgrading from beginner pickleball paddles, the SLK Evo Power XL 2.0 features a fiberglass face, balanced weight, and comfy grip—now half off for Prime Day.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Buckwheat 6 grams per cup cooked; gluten-free; complete protein Despite its name, buckwheat, which originated in central and western China, isn’t actually related to wheat.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
The Trump Administration’s executive orders on nuclear energy gut regulation in the name of efficiency and cost-cuts.—
Time,
Time,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share