1
as in manages
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 treats
to behave toward in a stated way
handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in supervises
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 accepts
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 oversees
to be in charge of
I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in grips
a part by which an implement is held
was given a set a steak knives with wooden handles
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in names
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 nicknames
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.
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Recent Examples of handles
Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Kaufmann was first elected to the Iowa House in 2012 and previously served as the chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which handles tax policy.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 8 Jan. 2026
According to Decker, dwarf Alberta not only survives deer but also handles cold temperatures and heavy snow loads with ease.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
Inside, a 20-megapixel camera handles video calls and content capture.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
The lift even handles my 150-pound mattress with ease, not even creasing a pillow.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Mercerat and Suter said the mid-market, which handles larger volumes, will likely drive this shift and enable lower-volume brands to adopt these innovations.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
Streets and San handles garbage collection directly for the North and Southwest zones (1 and 4), while the others are served by Lakeshore Recycling Systems, with which the city has contracted for the program since 2021.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
RIOgaleão–Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim (GIG) handles most international flights, while Airport Santos Dumont (SDU) focuses on domestic routes and is closer to downtown.
—Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
Use a disinfecting cleaner on all the doorknobs in every room, as well as handles for toilets and the kitchen faucet.
—Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Use Serving Trays for Entertaining Serving trays with handles are great for moving items from room to room and have endless uses.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
Lanterns can also benefit from features including collapsibility, mounting or holding handles, shock-proofing and waterproofing or USB charging ports.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
And while my go-to favorite handles light, everyday dryness, winter calls for backup.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
But rubbing alcohol is well-suited for cleaning the bodies of kitchen appliances as well—and buttons, knobs, and handles.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026
Gray smiled and took a tray, balancing it unsteadily on the handles of his walker.
—Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Nov. 2025
The breathable mesh and memory foam insole keep your feet cushioned, while the slip-resistant sole handles walking, running, or errands.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
Eric handles the role of the older Simms, while Finn plays the character in flashback scenes — including a jarring opening sequence of him in action.
—Noun
There are no visible door handles, a design choice that may not align with current Chinese regulations.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for handles
Verb
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Sammie manages to escape, though he's pursued by Remmick.—
-
Day has previously stated that his force will not assist in immigration enforcement operations, but noted that Portland Police manages public safety in the surrounding neighborhoods during demonstrations.—
Verb
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One of the reasons wildlife is so plentiful around La Selva’s property—the lodge sits on 23 acres and runs its excursions on another 23 acres—is because of how La Selva treats the jungle.—
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At the same time, new developments will also make workers busier than ever, which may be a welcome sign for Huang, who treats work as essentially a way of life.—
Verb
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The spa Asian—specifically, Balinese—influences are again evident in the decor, massage techniques, and ingredients used at the 30,000-square-foot Mandara Spa, the Atlantis location of the beloved wellness brand that operates at resorts around the world and on Norwegian Cruise Line sailings.—
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Standing against them is notorious kingpin Bada Chaudhary (Sharad Kelkar), whose syndicate operates through layers of deceit through corridors in Saudi Arabia, Ethopia, Italy, Thailand and the UK.—
Verb
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Sebastio supervises retail, finance and an in-house team of three designers for product consistency, as the brand was first inspired by his own and his father’s wardrobe.—
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The assistant chief directly supervises section commanders, providing leadership, mentorship and guidance.—
Verb
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The story follows a young woman, a lifelong swimmer and Olympic hopeful, who accepts a college swimming scholarship in Texas in order to escape an abusive father and an alcoholic, suicidal mother.—
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Trying to escape her past, Millie (Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Sklenar).—
Verb
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As chief engineering officer, Eric Lefebvre sets and oversees technology strategy for Jaggaer.—
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The committee, which is made up of three white members, three Black members, three Hispanic members and two Asian members, also oversees efforts to recruit more minority teachers and solicit scholarships for minority students.—
Noun
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But in the second season of the series, which wrapped last Sunday, a new sense of uncertainty, reflection, and maturity grips the central characters, making for even better television.—
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The changes to the federal vaccine schedule come as Rhode Island is in the grips of a severe flu season, which has led hospital systems to institute masking requirements at their medical facilities.—
Noun
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And there’s even 10 names after that that are in a sub bracket.—
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Webb has been one of the hottest young names in the business ever since the start of the 2025 season, and now will receive his first official audition with an AFC West rival.—
Cite this Entry
“Handles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handles. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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