Thesaurus results for BACKHANDERS

backhanders

noun

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

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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

Prosecutors have accused Thao and her romantic partner Andre Jones of accepting political bribes from father-and-son businessmen David and Andy Duong, who hold Oakland’s recycling contract and had sought to win taxpayer dollars for a local housing venture.

— Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
After an investigation that lasted months, fuelled by eight whistle-blowers on his own staff, the legislators concluded that Paxton had taken bribes from a real-estate developer, improperly fired aides who reported his conduct, and obstructed justice.

— Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026