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
  • Ask Italian soccer club AS Roma, which on Wednesday made a double announcement that took the cross-pollination between the two fields to the next level.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • Among the highlights is a double-height living room with a fireplace, a seated bar, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors spilling out to an expansive deck sporting a covered entertaining area, plus a pool and spa.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 July 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • Multiple schools are at the center of incidents in which teens are facing legal consequences for generating fake explicit images of their classmates.
    — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Gen Alphas seem to know almost immediately when something is fake, overproduced, delayed or culturally disconnected, which is why the strongest content right now often feels chaotic.
    — Kelly Samuel, Forbes.com, 21 July 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
  • 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
  • The public is equally free to find the position ridiculous and hypocritical, and choose to support other leagues that better represent their feelings.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of hypocritical
Adjective
  • Not everyone believes, however, that the line is insincere.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • And so, open door policies rarely fail because leaders are insincere.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Definition of insincere
Adjective
  • Yes, the excuses used to finally get them in the same frame together run the gamut from strained to getthefuckouttahere.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
  • There is no frantic downshift, no strained exhaust note, and little sensation of mechanical effort.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Reddington also took exception to the prosecution's description of injuries to Clancy's neck and wrists, which had been called superficial.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Medicare Advantage, despite offering more benefits and cost caps, faces issues with gaming, excessive prior authorization, and a focus on superficial perks.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • Both day-three draft picks in 2025, both battled injuries early in the season last year, and neither earned enough trust to see significant playing time until the meaningless season finale against the Giants.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
  • Despite his youth, Ward can’t escape the Netflix Quarterback Injury Curse and he gets knocked out of the last meaningless game of the season.
    — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of meaningless

Browse Nearby Words

backhand
backhanded
backhander
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Cite this Entry

“Backhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanded. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of backhanded for Spanish Speakers

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