handsel

noun

ˈhan(t)-səl How to pronounce handsel (audio)
Definition of handselnext
as in gift
something given to someone without expectation of a return gave little handsels to their houseguests on New Year's Day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handsel
  1. gift
  2. donation
  3. present
  4. presentation
Noun
  • Over the years, The Book Rack has offered thousands of books across a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, along with candles, notebooks, bookish gifts and more than 100 puzzles.
    — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Prosecutors caught the elder Spitze helping his son contact four minor victims to try silencing them with gifts or orders to destroy evidence.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of gift
Noun
  • The settlement plan also includes a pledge by the school to provide a statement to the claimant families condemning Lodge's criminal acts, and to detail improvements made to the organ donation program.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Lakefront staff then will send donations to the Washington Township Adult Center, which has been used as an American Red Cross shelter since the weekend.
    — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of donation
Noun
  • Christmas presents remain a crucial ritual, even when the present is half an apple.
    — Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • What, really, is Watson thinking about his present and future in Cleveland?
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of present
Noun
  • To date, no landlord who has applied has qualified, according to a city presentation at an August Housing Committee meeting.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This presentation is co-sponsored by Solana Beach Community Connections (SBCC) and the City of Solana Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of presentation
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.

Browse Nearby Words

hands down
handsel
handsels
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Cite this Entry

“Handsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handsel. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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