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.

See Examples For:

hands-on

A former hedge-fund manager, Bessent has taken a hands-on approach in an effort to wrangle bond yields lower.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

Stokes was a hands-on skipper, always chatting and encouraging, but Root quietly observed.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

“He was such a hands-on head coach,” Riley said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

He also noted that smaller institutions can provide students with direct access to faculty mentors and hands-on field research.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 5, 2026

“He just wants to give us some hands-on experience,” said Hermione, immobilizing two pixies at once with a clever Freezing Charm and stuffing them back into their cage.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling