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Definitions

out of hand

ADJECTIVE
obstreperous
Synonyms
WEAK
blusterous boisterous booming clamorous disorderly loud noisy piercing raising Cain raising the roof rambunctious riotous rowdy screaming strepitous tumultuous unmanageable unruly uproarious vociferous wild
ADJECTIVE
out of control
Synonyms
WEAK
carried away disorderly rebellious uncontrollable ungovernable unmanageable unruly wild
ADJECTIVE
runaway
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rampant unbridled unchecked uncontrolled unrestrained
STRONG
wild
WEAK
disorderly loose
Antonyms
WEAK
controlled stable staying steady

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.

The selloff in defense stocks has gotten out of hand, according to Citi analyst John Godyn.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Even as the war in Iran has seemed to de-escalate since a ceasefire began last week, we’ve recently witnessed just how out of hand things could possibly still get.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

The No. 9 seed Trojans let a second-round tournament contest against No. 8 seed Washington get out of hand in the third quarter, stumbling to a 76-64 loss at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Mamdani on Wednesday said again that what he saw "was a snowball fight", acknowledging that it "got out of hand, but that's what it was".

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

It wasn't until he saw Tiamat slinking down the aisle that he realized what a major mistake it was to let his emotions get out of hand.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville