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.

“Why not let them get hands-on experience? Why just have them sit and watch?” said Rory Johnson, the child development instructor at the adult school.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Prof. Feucht combines cancer research with hands-on clinical care.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

That hands-on experience with sending and receiving money can build a kind of financial fluency.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

"He was considered a hands-on and controversial chair," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at trading group XTB.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

I swore I’d get some actual hands-on training when we got back to land.

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin