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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhanders
bribes
Noun
-
Bolden pleaded not guilty on April 11, 1997, to taking bribes.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Jan. 2026 -
The indictment alleges the drug trafficker then paid monthly bribes to the anti-drug director in addition to $100,000 for each flight transporting cocaine to ensure its safe passage — a portion of which was shared with Flores, Maduro’s wife.—
Jay Weaver
January 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Backhanders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanders. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
