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.

The Dutch system creates the opportunity for lots of hands-on experiences through work-study pathways, employer partnerships, and state-supported apprenticeships.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

In some cases, the government is taking a more hands-on approach.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

But at the end of his scientific articles, there was always a plaintive sentence about how much more hands-on, real-world research needed to be done before the decision tree could be used in clinical practice.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell