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 experience was hands-on, welcoming and surprisingly relaxing.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

“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

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

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

They also attended a weekly two-hour laboratory session for hands-on training in one of the wind tunnels, shouldering an average of four hours of homework on top of a six-day workweek.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly