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

Relevance

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
  • By then the city had already paid $11 million in settlements and $20 million to outside law firms over nine years to defend cases involving Watts, who led a crew of tactical officers accused of framing innocent people who wouldn’t pay bribes.
    Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Federal prosecutors in South Florida later charged him with conspiracy to launder money and pay bribes to Venezuelan officials.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backhanders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanders. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster