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

The federal government isn’t just funding quantum, but adopting a hands-on approach.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

There are other galleries with hands-on exhibits and racing simulators, as well as a gallery dedicated to current track owner Roger Penske.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

A fish jumping out of water was confronted by a famished boy with a hands-on, no-holds- barred approach to capturing it.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel