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Definitions

handy

[han-dee] / ˈhæn di /
ADJECTIVE
nearby
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accessible available close-by convenient
STRONG
close ready
WEAK
adjacent at hand close-at-hand near near-at-hand on hand within reach
Antonyms
STRONGEST
unavailable unhandy
WEAK
faraway inconvenient
ADJECTIVE
easy to use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
available convenient helpful manageable neat practicable practical profitable useful
STRONG
central ready
WEAK
adaptable advantageous beneficial functional gainful serviceable utile wieldy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disadvantageous impossible unavailable unhandy unworkable useless worthless
WEAK
awkward bumbling bungling clumsy hard inconvenient inconveniently inept
ADJECTIVE
adept physically
Synonyms
STRONG
expert fit ready
WEAK
able adroit clever deft dexterous ingenious nimble proficient skilled skillful
Antonyms
STRONG
unskilled unsuitable untrained
WEAK
awkward bumbling bungling clumsy faraway hard inconvenient inconveniently inept unhandy useless

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.

McCardel’s consulting experience came in handy as he worked with clients to understand their business model and build relationships.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Such status could come in handy if consumers tighten their budgets on the back of broader inflation and higher interest rates.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

“The Comeback” is a handy distilling mechanism for an industry that can’t help drowning itself in excess.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

Cards that offer outsize rewards or cash back on travel-related purchases can come in handy if prices go up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

I figured her methods might one day come in handy for me.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

Vocabulary lists containing handy

Words from the 4th of July Songbook

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Father's Day Words

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-y

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