handrail vs bannister

handrail and bannister both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
handrail	Yes	No	No	No
bannister	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, handrail and bannister are synonyms defined as:

handrail and bannister: a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling

Other synonyms of handrail include balusters, balustrade, banister.

handrail (noun)	bannister (noun)
a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling	a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling