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Definitions

handshake

[hand-sheyk] / ˈhændˌʃeɪk /
NOUN
contract
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrangement bargain bond commitment guarantee obligation pact pledge record settlement
STRONG
commission compact concordat convention covenant deposition dicker engagement evidence indenture liability paper promise proof stipulation treaty understanding
WEAK
mise
Antonyms
STRONG
disagreement
WEAK
misunderstanding
NOUN
covenant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compact convention stipulation
STRONG
agreement arrangement bargain bond commitment concordat contract deal deed dicker papers transaction treaty trust
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disagreement
STRONG
denial misunderstanding refusal
NOUN
gentleman's agreement
Synonyms
WEAK
bond contract deal gentlemen's agreement pact pactum pledge tacit agreement understanding unspoken agreement unwritten agreement verbal agreement
NOUN
gentlemen's agreement
Synonyms
WEAK
bond contract deal gentleman's agreement nonformal agreement pact pactum pledge tacit agreement understanding unspoken agreement unwritten agreement verbal agreement
NOUN
grip
Synonyms
STRONGEST
constraint grasp restraint
STRONG
anchor brace catch cinch cincture clamp clamping clench clinch clutch coercion crushing duress enclosing enclosure fastening fixing grapnel grapple gripe handclasp handgrip handhold hold hook ligature lug purchase snatch squeeze strength tenure vise wrench
Antonyms
WEAK
release
NOUN
understanding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accord harmony pact
STRONG
concord deal
WEAK
common view meeting of minds
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disagreement
WEAK
disbelief misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding
NOUN
welcome
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acceptance hello hospitality ovation reception salute
STRONG
entertainment friendliness howdy rumble salutation tumble
WEAK
entrée key to the city red carpet
Antonyms
WEAK
goodbye

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.

Young Daniel was at his side and doing the same, perfecting a firm handshake, practicing looking people in the eye.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The agency’s logo—a handshake over the words From the American People—was a ubiquitous reminder that the U.S. was committed to making the world a healthier and safer place.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

A handshake between the protagonists disguises hell-bent hunger to degrade each other as far as non-contact sport allows.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

I figured Auriemma would clean up the mess in his postgame press conference, but instead he calmly leaned in to it, offering the pregame handshake delay as his explanation-slash-justification.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Coach uncrossed his arms and offered Felix a handshake.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty