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
  • Fairley also intends to plead guilty in a separate NCAA point-shaving case in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania over allegedly recruiting players who would accept bribes to influence games, the documents showed.
    Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • Prosecutors also alleged that, in return for that pressure campaign, Diamantis accepted $95,000 in bribes from Helen Zervas, an optometrist, and her fiancé, former state Democratic lawmaker Christopher Ziogas.
    Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backhanders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanders. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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