backhanded

adjective

ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce backhanded (audio)
Definition of backhandednext
as in double
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express "I'm amazed you did so well" is a bit of a backhanded compliment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 backhanded Byfield heaved a backhanded centering pass to the rear post for a redirection by Moore, the Kings’ first goal of the playoffs from someone other than Panarin. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026 He was helped by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who made a backhanded stop on a sharp grounder while playing in and threw out Mauricio Dubón for the second out to keep the automatic runner at third. — ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 That is not meant as a backhanded compliment, but an indictment of the past regime. — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 In the aftermath, Doncic pushed Williams in the lower back, and Williams responded by striking Doncic with a backhanded swing. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backhanded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhanded
  1. double
  2. fake
  3. lip
  4. hypocritical
  5. insincere
  6. strained
  7. superficial
  8. meaningless
Adjective
  • In that August 17 game, PCA went 4-for-5, with two homers, a double, a single, and three RBIs.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Jac Caglianone led off the seventh with a double, then scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's double.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • The company behind a poll that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass touted as showing her with a double-digit lead in the mayoral race said the survey was entirely fake and part of a social experiment.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There’s much more for fans of special effects to discover, from the practical snow used whenever feasible to the geysers of fake blood used to comedic effect.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip
Adjective
  • Some players cited the league’s partnerships with sports betting companies as hypocritical or even laying the foundation for this sort of scandal.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • Amendments placed on the ballot by lawmakers would still need only a statewide majority — a distinction critics call hypocritical.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of hypocritical
Adjective
  • Survivors have expressed frustration and criticized the Japanese government's support for nuclear deterrence for being insincere.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Survivors have expressed frustration and criticized the Japanese government’s support for nuclear deterrence for being insincere.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of insincere
Adjective
  • That could present a challenge for Americans, who already report feeling financially strained amid elevated inflation.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Vogel and Panettiere had a strained relationship before the actress’ death.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Without that foundation, increasingly sophisticated tools may simply scale superficial thinking.
    — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Without that foundation, AI initiatives risk becoming superficial overlays on legacy infrastructure not designed to support them.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • Knowing what ingredients are required on paper is meaningless if the chef has never actually turned on the stove or managed a high-stakes kitchen rush.
    — Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Jared Sternberg, founder of Gondwana Ecotours, argues that comparing Alaska to Phoenix is meaningless.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of meaningless

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backhand
backhanded
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Cite this Entry

“Backhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanded. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of backhanded for Spanish Speakers

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