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.

With the construction phase in the rearview, Rudolph said the center is now focused on completing installation of the galleries’ artifacts and hands-on installations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

"Field Marshal Asim Munir appears to be far more hands-on in matters of governance and foreign policy than his predecessors," Nawaz told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Jane also says parents can teach their children digital literacy in a hands-on way.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Help with eating, grooming and other daily activities requires hands-on care — and that’s expensive.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

I’d managed to connect with a group of professional women and form a kind of chatty, hands-on social cluster.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama