1
as in to manage
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
as host of a live TV talk show, she must handle any situation that comes up
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Relevance
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2
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way
handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude
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3
4
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about
she takes care of the flower beds, and he handles all the lawn care
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5
as in to tolerate
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
I can't handle much more of this foul weather
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6
as in to oversee
to be in charge of
I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation
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1
2
as in name
a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known
likes to go by the handle "Champ"
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3
as in nickname
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual
since it seemed decreed that every new firefighter have a handle, his was soon "Hulk"
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Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handle. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
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