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.

"We try to mix education in with hands-on activities because it is something you can get kids involved with," said Helen.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Help with eating, grooming and other daily activities requires hands-on care — and that’s expensive.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Proton’s customer support prioritizes self-service, which may not satisfy users who want immediate, hands-on assistance from actual humans.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

For these young students, early childhood experts say children should focus more on hands-on learning for development.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

It was the hands-on end of the struggle: placing babies with adoptive parents, finding work for the unemployed and medical help for the uninsured.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela