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 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 This is a backhanded way of encouraging all companies to tighten up security on their products. — Jeremy Hsu, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Apr. 2019 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
  • Even the smallest one is delightfully cozy, with a double bed and windows looking onto the street, perfect for a couple or solo traveler.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Like when Edmonds drew in a double team in the post and found a Robinson for an open 3-pointer that gave TCU a 10-5 lead early in the first.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • Taking a page out of Better Call Saul‘s playbook, NBC is launching a fake billboard-style ad for Jim Rockford, complete with a hotline number, just like the AMC drama did with attorney Saul Goodman.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Stone was dressed as an aesthetically conscious conservative housewife with a crisp button-down shirt, A-line skirt, peroxide blowout and fake facelift sutures.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 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
  • The fine was controversial to begin with, as fans and pundits pointed out the NFL’s business with beer sponsors such as Bud Light and called the sensitivity over the celebration hypocritical.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In his appeal, Juszczyk also argued that fining players for pretending to drink beer was hypocritical given the NFL’s beer sponsorships.
    — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of hypocritical
Adjective
  • Many commenters accuse her of being insincere and suggest that her statements are merely a tactic to gain votes before the election.
    — Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
  • None of the warnings being made about these models by industry insiders are at all insincere.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of insincere
Adjective
  • That decision left the financially strained athletic department staring at a buyout of roughly $50 million.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The relationship between LaLiga and Real Madrid is beyond strained—see Tebas’ Nazi comments as an example—but on this two agreed that everyone involved had to bend the knee.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Even then, my understanding of the horrors these people had endured and survived was superficial.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • On Saturday, at a gun range, a weapon accidentally discharged while holstered resulting in a superficial injury to film director Michael Mann.
    — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • The chief said that for the families of murder victims, homicide trends are meaningless.
    — Dan Morse, Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Commanders sacked Tanner McKee five times and intercepted him once while holding the Eagles to 268 yards — just 199 before the meaningless final drive.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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