backhanders

Definition of backhandersnext
plural of backhander, British
as in bribes
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 backhanders His mining deals in Congo, NGOs alleged, relied on schemes like kickbacks and backhanders. Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhanders
bribes
Noun
  • Over time, the brother earned the trust of party loyalists and built close relationships with local security officers, aided by bribes.
    Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Christopher and Joseph Ponzo — ex-Stoneham police officers — defrauded a company to obtain tens of millions of dollars of Mass Save funds through paying bribes and kickbacks to company employees.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backhanders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanders. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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