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.

Abel is known to be more hands-on as Berkshire’s CEO than his predecessor, and is scrutinizing Berkshire’s businesses and stock portfolio with a fresh and more-critical eye.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 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

"You can feed and watch them, but if you want something hands-on, they're not the right choice," she added.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

“Star Academy gives our students the opportunity to experience hands-on learning, and the results speak for themselves.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

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

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai