Categories: GeneralSynonyms

HANDFUL: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for HANDFUL?

Need another word that means the same as “handful”? Find 19 synonyms and 30 related words for “handful” in this overview.

Table Of Contents:

Handful as a Noun
Definitions of "Handful" as a noun
Synonyms of "Handful" as a noun (19 Words)
Usage Examples of "Handful" as a noun
Associations of "Handful" (30 Words)

The synonyms of “Handful” are: smattering, fistful, a small number, a small amount, a small quantity, a sprinkling, a smattering, a scattering, a trickle, few, one or two, nuisance, problem, bother, irritant, source of annoyance, thorn in someone's flesh, thorn in someone's side, bugbear

Handful as a Noun

Definitions of "Handful" as a noun

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “handful” as a noun can have the following definitions:

A person or group that is very difficult to deal with or control.
The quantity that can be held in the hand.
A quantity that fills the hand.
A small number or amount.

Synonyms of "Handful" as a noun (19 Words)

a scattering	A haphazard distribution in all directions.
a small amount	A garment size for a small person.
a small number	The slender part of the back.
a small quantity	A garment size for a small person.
a smattering	A slight or superficial understanding of a subject.
a sprinkling	The act of sprinkling or splashing water.
a trickle	Flowing in drops; the formation and falling of drops of liquid.
bother	An angry disturbance. A bit of a bother.
bugbear	An object of dread or apprehension. Germany was always a bugbear* for France.*
few	The RAF pilots who took part in the Battle of Britain. Art is not just for the few.
fistful	As much as a person can hold in their clenched hand. The man took a fistful* of cash from the drawer.*
irritant	A substance that causes slight inflammation or other discomfort to the body. A powerful skin irritant.
nuisance	An act which is harmful or offensive to the public or a member of it and for which there is a legal remedy. It s a nuisance* having all those people clomping through the house.*
one or two	The smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number.
problem	A question raised for consideration or solution. The problem* of ageism in Hollywood.*
smattering	A small amount of something. A smattering* of snow.*
source of annoyance	Anything that provides inspiration for later work.
thorn in someone's flesh	Something that causes irritation and annoyance.
thorn in someone's side	Something that causes irritation and annoyance.

Usage Examples of "Handful" as a noun

Only a handful of responses were received.
The kids could be such a handful.
Only a handful of people were in the pub.
A small handful of fresh coriander.

Associations of "Handful" (30 Words)

about	On the move. He s about* 35.*
almost	(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but. We re almost* finished.*
bit	The cutting part of a drill usually pointed and threaded and is replaceable in a brace or bitstock or drill press. In just a bit.
few	A small elite group. A few* weeks ago.*
insignificant	Not worthy of notice. She was so small and insignificant.
iota	The ninth star in a constellation. Nothing she said seemed to make an iota* of difference.*
least	Used in names of very small animals and plants e g least shrew. That is the least* of my concerns.*
less	Lower in quality. Of less* importance.*
little	Small and of little importance. A little* puppy dog.*
marginal	Of questionable or minimal quality. Remove any dead foliage on water lilies and marginals.
mere	Apart from anything else; without additions or modifications. His stomach rebelled at the mere* thought of food.*
mini	Denoting a miniature version of something. A mini* camera.*
minimal	Of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; negligible. P and b are a minimal* pair distinguished by the feature of voicing.*
minimum	The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required. They checked visas with the minimum* of fuss.*
minor	Of an interval characteristic of a minor scale and less by a semitone than the equivalent major interval. Smith minor.
negligible	So small as to be meaningless; insignificant. He said that the risks were negligible.
poky	Annoyingly slow. Five of us shared the poky* little room.*
rarefaction	The lessening of density of tissue, especially of nervous tissue or bone. The cord has undergone rarefaction.
scarce	Scarcely. He was scarce* sixteen years old.*
several	Separate or respective. Several letters came in the mail.
slight	Insult (someone) by treating or speaking of them without proper respect or attention. A slight* increase.*
slightly	To a small degree; not considerably. The children argued because one slice of cake was slightly* larger than the other.*
small	On a small scale. A little or small* group.*
smattering	A small number or amount. A smattering* of snow.*
some	To some extent quite a lot. We did not meet again for some* years.*
somewhat	To a small degree or extent. Matters have improved somewhat* since then.*
soupcon	A slight but appreciable amount.
tiny	A very young child. Tiny feet.
trifle	A thing of little value or importance. We will not trifle* life is too short.*
wee	Very early. Bide a wee.