hand-holding

noun

Definition of hand-holdingnext
as in assistance
patient and attentive guidance encouragement, or instruction New computer users often require a good deal of hand-holding.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hand-holding The math starts to favor hiring an experienced worker who needs less hand-holding. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 2026 Beyond the yachts themselves, the yards are working hard to secure younger clients, with more hand-holding during the sale process and build period than ever before. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026 Its relentlessly upbeat, hand-holding style has drawn constant criticism for coming across as condescending. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 Apr. 2026 The service Don't expect any hand-holding here. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand-holding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
  1. assistance
  2. attention
  3. support
  4. assist
  5. help
  6. service
Noun
  • Industries such as healthcare and social assistance (+28,400) continued to add jobs while local government education (+41,900 jobs) reversed a large loss from July (-57,500).
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In mid-2025, for example, Congress clawed back nearly $8 billion in foreign assistance funds.
    — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • Matt Bevin has for months claimed Johnson is unable to afford him a fair trial and is using the case to gain attention from the media.
    — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the part of the guarantee-game economy that deserves more attention now.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Yet, earlier this month, I, my fellow editors and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration personnel were informed that support for the Arctic Report Card — our flagship annual report since 2006 — is canceled.
    — Twila Moon, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Demographic experts are cautiously optimistic about the new scheme, which appears to offer more sustained and holistic support for families.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Hassan has work to do in front of goal, having failed to score in almost 2,000 minutes on the pitch in La Liga, mustering only three assists.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • None of the contemporaneous reports made note of whether the Tesla had one of its driver-assist systems engaged.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Some operators said they were forced to take out personal loans, ask family for financial help, and empty out their savings accounts.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • Treasury yields moved lower across the curve on Thursday, as traders look ahead to key services and jobs data for more insights into the domestic economic picture following a sharp sell-off in global bond markets.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Strong companies may begin with electric-fleet operations, depot management, charging, maintenance, logistics or mobility services and evolve toward autonomous-ready infrastructure.
    — John Gabriel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of service

Browse Nearby Words

handhold
hand-holding
hand-holdings
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Cite this Entry

“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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