1
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress the police officer ordered the suspect to hand over his weapons
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2
as in to provide
to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption in response to a desperate plea, we handed over all our extra blankets and pillows to the homeless shelter
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3
as in to hand
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another handed over their valuables to the desk clerk, who put them in the hotel safe
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as in surrender
the usually forced yielding of one's person or possessions to the control of another though the handover of my wallet was painful, it was better than getting shot by some trigger-happy punk
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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 hand over
Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026 Trump has publicly said any deal with Iran would involve the country handing over its nuclear material and giving up future enrichment. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026 That second gear arrives only after 120 KPH, and while the handover is noticeable (though not harsh), your butt dyno will also note that the torque curve is in fact a straight line that doesn’t relent. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand over
Verb
While the Chinese government has played a delicate diplomatic hand over the conflict between its biggest global rival and its closest friend in the Middle East, its people have displayed a wave of curiosity and admiration toward Iran. —Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026 Trump has publicly said any deal with Iran would involve the country handing over its nuclear material and giving up future enrichment. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Apple Daily and Next Magazine continued to criticize the Chinese government after the 1997 British handover. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026 That second gear arrives only after 120 KPH, and while the handover is noticeable (though not harsh), your butt dyno will also note that the torque curve is in fact a straight line that doesn’t relent. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand over
Verb
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Min Aung Hlaing, who had attained the rank of senior general, last week relinquished his post of commander-in-chief because the constitution prohibits the president from simultaneously holding the top military position.— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
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Mostly because this lesson required me to relinquish my take-home treats.— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mount Carmel pitcher Jake Matise received a piece of information Friday morning that provided him with some extra focus and motivation to take into his start later in the afternoon.— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
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Inter Miami provides the best challenge and litmus test yet.— Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the final days of the war, the Nazis sought to destroy the party’s vast collection of membership cards but they were saved at the last minute and later handed to the Americans.— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026
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Brendan Fitzgerald has left his role as CEO of Secuoya Studios, which is at the same time handing complete independence to its Latin American arm.— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If the former is about the inevitability of falling in love, a complete surrender beyond the speaker’s control, the latter confronts the pain of romantic love’s aftermath.— Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
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In comments carried by semi-official ISNA news agency, Pezeshkian said any attempt to impose will or force the country into surrender is doomed to fail, and the Iranian nation will never accept such an approach.— Alexandra Bacallao, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The two teams were scheduled to play in a rematch Tuesday in Oak Lawn but the game was postponed by a late afternoon storm that rendered the baseball field unplayable.— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
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Some of the company's changes have sparked debate, particularly around its use of beef tallow, which is fat rendered from cows.— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Suzuki’s long ball was part of a three-run seventh, which helped give the Cubs a five-run cushion.— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
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Korean gochujang paste gives the dish fiery, funky heat.— Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That could leave the nomination in limbo and Powell still in charge.— Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
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Evans wound up taking less money to leave Tampa Bay and sign with the 49ers.— Vic Tafur, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The complete list of category submissions will be released at a later date.— Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
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To ensure the fairness and credibility of our readers’ poll, any votes originating from the same IP address that exceed 20 submissions will be excluded from the final tally.— Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hand over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/hand%20over. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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