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.

"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

Cut a ball in half for some hands-on learning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Jane also says parents can teach their children digital literacy in a hands-on way.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

This letter signifies the start of a crucial new phase in Lawrences transformation from hands-on physicist to fund-raising impresario.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik