left-handed 1 of 2

adjective

ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce left-handed (audio)
Definition of left-handednext
1
as in clumsy
lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands I'd rather have no help at all than have his left-handed "assistance"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in double
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express failed to realize that he had received a left-handed compliment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

left-handed

2 of 2

adverb

as in counterclockwise

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Dissimilar Words

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 left-handed
Adjective
With Wilson back from injury and utility infielder Zack Gelof in the midst of a 24-game hitting streak, Williams’ utility role had diminished and became less important than adding a slugger capable of hitting left-handed pitching, given Rooker’s absence. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026 Jeffers and Wells would make an intriguing pair, as the former could protect the latter, who has been awful against left-handed pitching. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026 Philadelphia on Thursday optioned left-handed reliever Tanner Banks to Lehigh Valley in a series of roster moves ahead of a three-game series with the New York Mets. — Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 18 June 2026 For related reasons, neutrinos appear only in a left-handed form in the Standard Model. — Quanta Magazine, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for left-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for left-handed
  1. clumsy
  2. double
  3. counterclockwise
  4. awkward
  5. fake
  6. handless
  7. lip
  8. backhanded
Adjective
  • And the big rocket launch feels way too clumsy, the stakes feeling much lower than play builds towards.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • Paul Breitner, West Germany vs Netherlands, 1974 The Germans equalise from the spot after a clumsy foul by Wim Jansen.
    — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • If Messi is the main focus of England’s attention, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has to contend with the double threat of Bellingham and Kane.
    — James Robson, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • Blorian, 26, captained Hapoel Be’er Sheva to an Israeli cup and league-title double last season.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Definition of double
Adverb
  • Alex Wix, who has traveled extensively around Iceland by car and plans private itineraries through her company, Wixsquared, recommends driving it counterclockwise.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Complete 10 circles clockwise and 10 circles counterclockwise.
    — RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 24 June 2026
Definition of counterclockwise
Adjective
  • And having everyone try to speak in English with Greek accents (not that the Greeks 2700 years ago would have sounded like Greeks do today) would have been awkward.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • If the process had advanced to a hearing, the Blues would have been put in the awkward position of having to build a case against him.
    — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • Ify’s box contains a fake $100 bill, but Catherine decides to keep her box.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Judges around the country have seen a rise in threats of violence and intimidation, including a fake swatting call to police about Barrett’s home in May.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Two brothers were arrested this week on murder charges in connection to a 1997 Michigan cold case in which a man's headless and handless body was found in a cornfield, authorities said.
    — Erin Pflaumer, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2023
  • Twenty-five years after authorities discovered a headless and handless man in a Michigan cornfield, arrests have been made in connection to the grisly murder.
    — Tristan Balagtas, Peoplemag, 26 Jan. 2023
Definition of handless
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip
Adjective
  • After corralling a loose puck along the boards, Hughes spun away from the blue line to keep the play onside, then feathered a backhanded pass into open ice with just the right amount of touch to set up Nico Sturm for a goal that tied the game.
    — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 12 May 2026
  • The prediction market order in particular appeared to be a backhanded callout of the recent eyebrow-raising bets on the strikes in Iran and the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which some critics have cited as signs of potential insider trading.
    — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Definition of backhanded

Browse Nearby Words

left
left-handed
left-handedly
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Cite this Entry

“Left-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/left-handed. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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