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

But even if things never get out of hand, is this a wise use of time?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

The game was out of hand in minutes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

On Saturday, things began to get out of hand.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling

out of hand

Example Sentences

Related Words