hands-on

[handz-on, -awn] / ˈhændzˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

ADJECTIVE

active participation; experiential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

firsthand

STRONG

manual primary

WEAK

direct experienced explicit immediate individual intimate

Antonyms

STRONGEST

automatic computerized impersonal indirect

WEAK

second-hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Manifold’s hands-on approach at times created friction between the chairman and senior management—including the company’s new CEO, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

"He was considered a hands-on and controversial chair," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at trading group XTB.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

"What we need is a leader that is hands-on, that has a lot of energy, that knows the system, that can be the first to arrive to prevent a conflict," she said.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

This means people working in a hands-on capacity as night nannies would no longer be able to operate as "maternity nurses".

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Aristotle’s investigations were a bit more hands-on: when he wanted to know what the inside of an octopus looked like, he grabbed a scalpel and opened one up.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith