MANHANDLING Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

manhandling

verb

present participle of manhandle

as in abusing

to abuse physically charges that the police manhandled peaceful protesters

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bullying

to inflict physical or emotional harm upon if you see anyone manhandling a child, you should call the authorities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 manhandling But this year’s edition could be the best one yet, and the Wolverines will get a chance to prove that next week in Indianapolis after manhandling Tennessee 95-62 yesterday at the United Center to clinch a spot in the Final Four. — Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 The Illini literally soaked in the celebration Thursday night after manhandling hometown favorite Houston to advance to the Elite 8 for the second time in three years. — Ryan Baker, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026 Lee had been caught on video back in 2017 shouting at a woman who was reportedly his girlfriend, manhandling her and calling her names, in a confrontation allegedly broken up by a teammate. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026 Social media served up a daily video deluge of heavily armed agents randomly manhandling dark-skinned people. — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 That’s exactly how the Miami Dolphins performed in Sunday’s 30-13 win against the Buffalo Bills in a contest Miami controlled all game, manhandling the reigning AFC East division champions to prove that the 2025 season isn’t over. — Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025 But even with Mizzou being able to do what it’s been doing — manhandling the trenches and milking the clock — the results were somewhat spoiled. — Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025 San Francisco tackle Williams is 6-foot-5 and 320, and has been manhandling NFL linemen since Hufanga was a boy running around his parents’ farm in Oregon. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for manhandling

Verb

In addition to many successes, there is no record of his office abusing employees, leaking passwords, giving the public false information, or losing expensive reports.

— Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026
Roell was later accused of abusing nonverbal special-needs students at Crosby Elementary School, authorities said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of abusing

Verb

Trump has been bullying Canada since the start of his second term.

— Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
The source said the TCU staff was aware of mounting tensions, but viewed it as just a part of competitive football in fall camp, not bullying.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of bullying

Verb

Piker then fired back at Scholten on social media, accusing her of seeking attention and attacking him over his opposition to Zionism.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
Binu Palal showed video of Shakur’s entourage attacking Davis’ nephew Orlando Anderson.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of attacking

Verb

But, if not, then stop using the existence of those goals as a way of torturing yourself.

— Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Arabella’s adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, and her parents, Adella and Stanley Tom, were arrested three months later and accused of torturing the young girl to death.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of torturing

Verb

While the left guard competition remains open, Jones has been on the first string for over a week since replacing Connor Colby, and Jones stood out with an aggressive, mauling nature against the Titans.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Gunther slowed the match down, mauling Aldis and sending him flying into the corner.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of mauling

Verb

Smith’s late mother, Melody Johnson, was cremated at the Bohemian National Cemetery and Crematorium, which is also under investigation for mishandling remains in a case related to the problems at South Chicago Chapel.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
After almost mishandling the handoff to Breece Hall on his second snap, Klubnik looked poised and comfortable.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of mishandling

Verb

After ambushing Nobel hopeful Kersten onboard, Wohmann makes multiple attempts to interview him.

— Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have alleged that Mangione meticulously planned the killing for months, documenting his thoughts in journals and traveling across the country before ambushing Thompson in New York City.

— Stepheny Price , Michael Ruiz , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Definition of ambushing

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“Manhandling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manhandling. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of manhandling

verb

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