at hand

phrase

Synonyms of at handnext
1
: near in time or place : within reach
use whatever ingredients are at hand
2
: currently receiving or deserving attention
the business at hand

Examples of at hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
What was that first post-race meeting like, once the enormous problem at hand became very obvious? — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026 Calabasas is armed with quality skill players across the field with a veteran arm in Hardy at hand. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 In that sense, who the Lakers’ majority owner will be when the 2026-27 season begins isn’t the pressing question at hand. — Dan Woike, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The issue at hand isn’t with the Republican Party, but with Florida’s restrictive primary law. — Ethan Hicks, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at hand

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of at hand was before the 12th century

Rhymes for at hand

See All Rhymes for at hand

Browse Nearby Words

Athanasius
at hand
athanor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20hand. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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