Definitions

handshake

[hand-sheyk] / ˈhændˌʃeɪk /

NOUN

contract

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrangement bargain bond commitment guarantee obligation pact pledge record settlement

STRONG

commission compact concordat convention covenant deposition dicker engagement evidence indenture liability paper promise proof stipulation treaty understanding

WEAK

mise

Antonyms

STRONG

disagreement

WEAK

misunderstanding

NOUN

covenant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compact convention stipulation

STRONG

agreement arrangement bargain bond commitment concordat contract deal deed dicker papers transaction treaty trust

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disagreement

STRONG

denial misunderstanding refusal

NOUN

gentleman's agreement

Synonyms

WEAK

bond contract deal gentlemen's agreement pact pactum pledge tacit agreement understanding unspoken agreement unwritten agreement verbal agreement

NOUN

gentlemen's agreement

Synonyms

WEAK

bond contract deal gentleman's agreement nonformal agreement pact pactum pledge tacit agreement understanding unspoken agreement unwritten agreement verbal agreement

NOUN

grip

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constraint grasp restraint

STRONG

anchor brace catch cinch cincture clamp clamping clench clinch clutch coercion crushing duress enclosing enclosure fastening fixing grapnel grapple gripe handclasp handgrip handhold hold hook ligature lug purchase snatch squeeze strength tenure vise wrench

Antonyms

WEAK

release

NOUN

understanding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accord harmony pact

STRONG

concord deal

WEAK

common view meeting of minds

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disagreement

WEAK

disbelief misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding

NOUN

welcome

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acceptance hello hospitality ovation reception salute

STRONG

entertainment friendliness howdy rumble salutation tumble

WEAK

entrée key to the city red carpet

Antonyms

WEAK

goodbye

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.

Xi walked out by himself to greet Trump with a handshake, not the “big, fat hug” Trump earlier said he was expecting.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed US President Donald Trump with a handshake on Thursday in Beijing for a superpower summit on thorny issues including Iran, trade and Taiwan.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

The visit will feature a "friendship photo" and handshake with Xi.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

“How will they greet one another? With a handshake, a hug or a scowl? These are the dramas that the political nerds like myself love to look for,” Sadhwani said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

“Goodbye, dear,” and with these words, uttered in the tone she liked, Laurie left her, after a handshake almost painful in its heartiness.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

handshake

Example Sentences

Related Words