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.
The issue at hand was whether to advance a one-year data-center moratorium. — Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026 The capitulation of Germany is at hand, the Third Reich's unconditional surrender just days away. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 The question at hand is whether quantum computing can produce economically significant outcomes for commercially relevant issues. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Ever mindful of the job at hand, Parton gently steered us back to the awards show, though not before turning to Brooks with a little smile. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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