underhanded 1 of 2

Definition of underhandednext

underhanded

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word underhanded distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of underhanded are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, stealthy, and surreptitious. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Where would clandestine be a reasonable alternative to underhanded?

In some situations, the words clandestine and underhanded are roughly equivalent. However, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

When is covert a more appropriate choice than underhanded?

The meanings of covert and underhanded largely overlap; however, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When can furtive be used instead of underhanded?

Although the words furtive and underhanded have much in common, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When might secret be a better fit than underhanded?

While the synonyms secret and underhanded are close in meaning, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When could stealthy be used to replace underhanded?

The words stealthy and underhanded can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

When is it sensible to use surreptitious instead of underhanded?

The synonyms surreptitious and underhanded are sometimes interchangeable, but surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

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 underhanded
Adjective
In California, the law prevents incumbents from pulling off the kind of underhanded stunt that Garcia and Daines managed. Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 The underhanded plan The way this plan was launched speaks volumes. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 Instead of helping the contestant, the complaint alleges that show producers convinced the couple not to quit the show and assured them there was nothing underhanded occurring with their depiction. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026 What your boyfriend did was inconsiderate and underhanded and showed disregard for your feelings. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underhanded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underhanded
Adjective
  • Despite criticism over opaque and deceptive practices, prediction markets’ election favorites won most of the time, a Washington Post analysis found; more liquid in betting markets improves their accuracy, economists told CNN, but could carry negative social costs.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
  • This is the essence of GPS spoofing, in which an attacker floods a GPS receiver with deceptive signals.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some may be announced publicly; others may happen in more clandestine ways.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026
  • But clandestine flows aren’t the biggest factor behind the market calm.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Adverb
  • Each team will alternate tossing the bean bag underhand onto the board until all four bean bags are thrown.
    Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 13 June 2023
  • Pitchers tossed underhand and no one wore gloves yet, resulting in smarting pain in the hands of catchers and first basemen.
    Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • Representing Daniell, attorney Chris Timmons said the lawsuit centers on what his client alleges was a fraudulent transfer of the property's ownership.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Thomas and Ballard showed authorities fraudulent credentials to an unrelated sporting event, the affidavit said.
    Sofia Saric June 25, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts.
    Mehera Bonner, Marie Claire, 15 Mar. 2017
Adverb
  • The six-suite Baines’ Lodge, though, has stealthily sneaked past them all as an existing camp that has received a thoughtful, artful makeover from operator Abercrombie & Kent.
    Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
  • Ernest has been stealthily making deals, investing nearly $500 million into some of the world’s hottest technology companies, including SpaceX, Anthropic and Jeff Bezos’ new artificial intelligence startup, Prometheus, which is the firm’s largest investment to date.
    Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Italian-style grotto is a shady spot to visit on sunny days, with trees sheltering the pool and fountain.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
  • This woodland native grows in USDA Zones 6-9 and is best suited to shadier areas of the landscape.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • After 1996, when the protease inhibitors were developed, the duty to warn continued to be an important standard when HIV status became more clinically covert.
    M. Sara Rosenthal, STAT, 25 June 2026
  • Authorities say the rogue drone operation led out of a former daycare in Georgia was a staging ground where multiple drones were launched on covert missions to deliver the contraband by air to 10 federal prisons at night.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Underhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underhanded. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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