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.

Prof. Feucht combines cancer research with hands-on clinical care.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

That hands-on experience with sending and receiving money can build a kind of financial fluency.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 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

Scott-Wright and Clegg also work as self-described "maternity nurses" - a role involving hands-on work with infants that is also unregulated.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Arrows directed guests to hundreds of hands-on scientific exhibits.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai