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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Recent Examples of hand-holding
The somatic exercises in particular, such as deep breathing, hand-holding or direct eye-gazing, allow participants to check in with how their bodies feel in proximity to one another.
—
Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
An in-depth farmer training program on organic agricultural practices would be required, which may need to be supported by a technologically sound hand-holding mechanism, ideally synced with specific Indian regions’ crop calendars.
—Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Lack Of Initiative Startups need self-starters who can tackle challenges without excessive hand-holding.
—Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Zanna Clay/Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary Interestingly, this challenges common thought that chimpanzees settle disputes with aggression and hierarchical dominance, and instead display social bonding behavior through acts like grooming and hand-holding.
—New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Unlike Love Island or Too Hot to Handle, the smiles, eye contact and brief hand-holding do all the talking in Single’s Inferno.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
The lack of eye contact, smiles, or hand-holding between the couple, suggesting discomfort.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
An in-depth farmer training program on organic agricultural practices would be required, which may need to be supported by a technologically sound hand-holding mechanism, ideally synced with specific Indian regions’ crop calendars.
—Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Lack Of Initiative Startups need self-starters who can tackle challenges without excessive hand-holding.
—Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Zanna Clay/Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary Interestingly, this challenges common thought that chimpanzees settle disputes with aggression and hierarchical dominance, and instead display social bonding behavior through acts like grooming and hand-holding.
—New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Unlike Love Island or Too Hot to Handle, the smiles, eye contact and brief hand-holding do all the talking in Single’s Inferno.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
The lack of eye contact, smiles, or hand-holding between the couple, suggesting discomfort.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-holding
Noun
-
Because care is about more than physical assistance.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
-
While that’s an increase from 7% in 2022, the vast majority of businesses still don’t offer any kind of assistance to employees.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Other issues such as the Iran strike commanded far more attention.—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Borden was eventually acquitted of the crimes, but the brutal nature of the murders attracted nationwide attention and contributed to Borden’s place in popular culture.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
With the right support, encouragement, and structure, Laren continues to grow and shine.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
-
Advertisement Advertisement Trump showed some support for national parks during his first term, signing the Great American Outdoors Act, which dedicated up to $1.9 billion per year for five years to fund deferred maintenance projects identified by the NPS and other parks departments.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
In the pantheon of secondary assists, Euro 2025 served up an all-timer yesterday.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
-
For Indiana, Kelsey Mitchell exploded for 32 points, seven assists and three rebounds, while Alyiah Boston added 21 points, six rebounds and three assists in the win.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
But in the meantime, those who know her are left to ponder an illness that appears to have consumed the caring mother, in spite of her efforts to get help.—
Laura Crimaldi,
BostonGlobe.com,
13 Feb. 2023
-
Police departments in Carroll County could get help from the state with funding the high cost of outfitting officers with body cameras, if a bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly is passed.—
Sherry Greenfield,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Feb. 2023
Noun
-
But the indictment says Jones’ company provided no services.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
-
The weather service warns that in hilly terrain, there are hundreds of low-water crossings that are potentially dangerous in heavy rain.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-holding. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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