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underhand 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of underhandnext
1
as in fraudulent
given to or marked by cheating and deception willing to stoop to underhand methods in order to win

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others the congressman's underhand attempt to slip several pork barrel items into the bill

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

underhand

2 of 2

adverb

as in underhanded

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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 underhand
Adjective
Hart slowed for an instant before charging off the mound, and Devers, who is no one’s idea of fast, beat out the underhand shovel from Gavin Sheets. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026 In 1978, Kathleen Madigan won the Mid-Missouri Hoops Shoot Championship by making 14 of 15 attempts, all underhand. — Mac Engel march 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Each team will alternate tossing the bean bag underhand onto the board until all four bean bags are thrown. — Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 13 June 2023 Pitchers tossed underhand and no one wore gloves yet, resulting in smarting pain in the hands of catchers and first basemen. — Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for underhand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underhand
  1. fraudulent
  2. clandestine
  3. deceptive
  4. covert
  5. shady
  6. undercover
  7. crooked
  8. underground
Adjective
  • According to a criminal complaint, Young used shell corporations and fraudulent billing practices to misappropriate funds intended for homeless housing, including through programs administered by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The operation began around 2018, when Noreus agreed to provide fraudulent credentials to nursing students recruited through Medlife Institute, another school implicated in the federal investigation, according to prosecutors.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of fraudulent
Adjective
  • Across Greengrass’ three Bourne movies, the elite assassin turns against the clandestine institution that created him, determined to escape its grip and bring its covert operations to light.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Or that the Apollo moon landing in 1969 was staged, the video shot on some clandestine movie set.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • When a system can drop the fourth wall unprompted, ingest its own structural tells and re‑engage with unvarnished candor, the vulnerability shifts from deceptive compliance to authentic resonance.
    — Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • López’s attorney sent Rivas and her group a cease-and-desist letter last month, citing trademark infringement and deceptive and unfair trade practices, the letter shows.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Part thriller, part dark romantic comedy, Smokeshow centers on a covert operative, Rory (Fahy), who becomes entangled with her target, the charming and devastatingly earnest Nolan.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Regardless of their opinion about Denmark, Greenlanders are becoming aware of, and are unnerved by, this semi-covert, sometimes glaringly obvious American pressure.
    — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • Beyond the shimmying visit, the mystery of who killed Victor is expected to motor the sophomore season’s overarching storyline, including digging into people from the corrupt politician’s shady past.
    — Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Because in a state whose government is supposed to be blessed with sunshine 365 days a year, Hope Florida is shady as heck.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • Two men, ages 89 and 73, were caught with a house full of cocaine, marijuana and guns after Miami police conducted a raid Wednesday afternoon following an undercover sting in August, according to their arrest reports.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Jackson was particularly vocal in her criticism of the show’s shallow scripts, which featured plotlines about them going undercover as French maids, showgirls, lifeguards and, perhaps most infamously, prison inmates.
    — Michael Callahan, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • Hang your porch swing crooked or prop scrap of wood across your windows to make it look boarded up.
    — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026
  • An incoming generation, simply by their existence, dislodged a crooked anxiety that the new face of Asian America is Wasian.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of crooked
Adjective
  • Money from that sale will help the company access the funds to restart full underground production at the Ima Mine.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Industrial operators can deploy them to inspect narrow pipelines, ventilation shafts, sewers, and underground mines for structural flaws.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

undergrowths
underhand
underhanded
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Cite this Entry

“Underhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underhand. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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