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

In some cases, the government is taking a more hands-on approach.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

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

She calmly proceeds to the hands-on portion of the lab.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson