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
Philip Elliott, Time, 29 May 2025
Designed to hold its own in all seasons, the REI Co-op's half dome handles most any weather with ease.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
PC Magazine, 25 May 2025
There are no bells or whistles or strength levels or fancy water temperature settings—just lift the handle, pop in a pod, and close it.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Verb
Given the chance to take extraordinary steps to continue full government funding, Trump is declining, breaking with how his predecessors handled major crises.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 29 May 2025
Designed to hold its own in all seasons, the REI Co-op's half dome handles most any weather with ease.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
Noun
With printable headphone hangers, carry handles, alternate feet, and much more, this is a PC case for the creative and the curious.
—PC Magazine, 25 May 2025
There are no bells or whistles or strength levels or fancy water temperature settings—just lift the handle, pop in a pod, and close it.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handle
Verb
-
Meanwhile, a close friend—formerly —serves as the operating partner, managing the day-to-day logistics.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
Klamath Fire has been burning on federal land managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Exception handling shouldn’t be treated as grunt work.—
Aditya Shah,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
Guests were treated to a live demonstration by artisans, who had traveled from the Tod’s factory in Le Marche, that showed just how much work and care goes into the iconic gommini driving moccasins.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Law enforcement doesn’t operate this way, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Wayne Ford,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
This is partly because of TikTok, which has completely changed the way music streaming (and a song’s popularity) operates.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
There’s similar apprehension about the new Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal that’s meant to supervise judges in office.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
-
Gray supervised a special housing unit at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, prosecutors said.—
Sara Schilling,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
Marie Lodi My next session took place three months later, at which time Francis said my skin had tolerated the laser really well.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
1 June 2025
-
Which means that losing in the second round again, for instance, won’t be tolerated and could cost Treliving — set to enter the third year of what is, according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, a four-year contract — his job.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
In addition to his new position as town marshal, Byrd will also be overseeing the move into a new police department.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
-
Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey oversee the film for Lionsgate, with Dan Freedman, Phil Strina, John Biondo and Matt Leonetti having negotiated the deal for the studio.—
Lauren Coates,
Variety,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
The long, ergonomic handle is designed for adult hands, ensuring a comfortable grip during feeding sessions.—
Toby Rose,
Parents,
22 May 2025
-
New rules could shake up realtors' grip on commission structure Agreements like Xiao's could become more common as the new rules usher in a few big changes nationwide.—
Laurel Wamsley,
NPR,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Investors should therefore move away from import-dependent names and toward companies that are actively rerouting supply chains and accelerating investment in reshoring sensitive sectors, Leung added.—
Lee Ying Shan,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
-
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has not released the person’s name or age.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share