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
Relevance
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
as in counterclockwise
Related Words
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
Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Given that three of the Red Sox’ previous five balls in play had an exit velocity of 107 mph or greater and a left-handed batter was coming to the plate, it could also be argued pretty convincingly that inserting lefty Wandy Peralta was appropriate.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Luke Keaschall, a righty batter, also struggled against left-handed pitching in 2025.
—David Brown, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2026
But just a really valuable piece to either come off the bench in a high-leverage spot or also potentially start against left-handed pitching.
—CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for left-handed
Adjective
Those are the two middle-of-the-order righties who should thrive against left-handed pitching.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Given that three of the Red Sox’ previous five balls in play had an exit velocity of 107 mph or greater and a left-handed batter was coming to the plate, it could also be argued pretty convincingly that inserting lefty Wandy Peralta was appropriate.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Luke Keaschall, a righty batter, also struggled against left-handed pitching in 2025.
—David Brown, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2026
But just a really valuable piece to either come off the bench in a high-leverage spot or also potentially start against left-handed pitching.
—CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for left-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for left-handed
Adjective
-
Perugino’s compositions tend to be clumsy in their parallels—two people on the left, two people on the right—and the skin typically looks like candle wax.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The collapse of the talks wasn’t the fault of bad faith or clumsy diplomacy.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sophomore shortstop Mikey Watson, an Illinois-Chicago commit, came up with a two-run double and drove in four runs for H-F (10-5).—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
-
In the bottom of the frame, a double by Mickey Moniak, followed by an RBI single by rookie TJ Rumfield cut Los Angeles’ lead to 2-1.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
19 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Then, rotate them counterclockwise for six circles.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Because air swirls counterclockwise around low-pressure systems, Cook says, the alignment will sweep frigid air deep into the central U.S. next Sunday and, from there, into the southeastern states next Monday and Tuesday.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Big Bang Theory followed a group of socially awkward scientist friends navigating work, friendship and relationships, with Parsons portraying Sheldon Cooper, a brilliant but eccentric physicist known for his rigid routines, lack of social awareness and sharp intellect.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Which leaves marijuana in an awkward middle ground as a substance that’s too normalized to generate inherent conflict, and too mild to drive high-stakes drama.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Between theater games, fake-blood logistics and a Grim Reaper costume, the teens begin to deal with their secrets and the truth of one fateful night.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Police believe most of the ransom notes received were fake.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 Apr. 2026
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
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Byfield heaved a backhanded centering pass to the rear post for a redirection by Moore, the Kings’ first goal of the playoffs from someone other than Panarin.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Something of a backhanded compliment, given how this season unfolded.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Left-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/left-handed. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
