Able and Handy

Able

Able adjective - Having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance.

Handy is a synonym for able in skilful topic. In some cases you can use "Handy" instead an adjective "Able".

Nearby Word: ability

Handy

Handy adjective - Skillful with the hands.
Usage example: handy with a needle and thread

Able is a synonym for handy in skilful topic. You can use "Able" instead an adjective "Handy", if it concerns topics such as adept physically.

Nearby Words: hand, handed, handily, handing

Both words in one sentence

  • Power-Up Food Marine Boy is able to breath underwater without recourse to aqualungs or similar devices, as long as he's chewing on his handy Oxy-Gum.
    Source: Power-Up Food
  • Dump Stat Much like in Real Life, being able to beat others up comes in handy every once in a while, but being well-connected and clever can come in handy daily.
    Source: Dump Stat
  • However, his huge size does come in handy: he's able to stealth-kill two guys at once.
Cite this Source
Handy and Able. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/able/handy
Able & Handy. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/able/handy>.
Handy or Able. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/able/handy.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "able" and "handy" have occurred on timeline