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.

He was known for his hands-on, on-the-ground investment philosophy, and his passports tell the story: Over the course of his career, he visited 112 countries in search of undervalued companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Schwimmer emphasized that fields like paleontology and other Earth sciences offer valuable opportunities for students to participate in hands-on research close to home.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

With the construction phase in the rearview, Rudolph said the center is now focused on completing installation of the galleries’ artifacts and hands-on installations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

"Field Marshal Asim Munir appears to be far more hands-on in matters of governance and foreign policy than his predecessors," Nawaz told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

A fish jumping out of water was confronted by a famished boy with a hands-on, no-holds- barred approach to capturing it.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel