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
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 In a late-game highlight, rookie forward Adou Thiero provided a rare opportunity for Laker fans to cheer, catching a Bronny James underhand lob for an alley-oop dunk through contact. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 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
  • Republicans say the inquiry is intended to determine whether foreign money or fraudulent donations have entered federal campaigns and whether ActBlue accurately described its safeguards to Congress.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
  • State prosecutors allege Davis submitted at least six fraudulent COVID Emergency Rental Assistance applications from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of fraudulent
Adjective
  • The clandestine transits have changed the game for the Middle Eastern oil industry.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • That same teen sensation left West Africa due to troubles from its dictatorship, and moved to Paris under cover of night and a clandestine air flight.
    — A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • The company alleges trademark infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices.
    — Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And, given his high release point, deceptive delivery and deep repertoire, where batters can’t often make good contact.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Bannerman centers on the eponymous Paul Bannerman, a lethal covert operative who convinces a group of the world’s most deadly assassins to quit the spy game for a chance to lead normal lives in the suburbs of Connecticut.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In Asia, there is no present analog to the major shocks of the 1970s, which drove Seoul and Taipei to pursue covert nuclear programs.
    — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • While this feature never got implemented, a Phia spokesperson told Bloomberg, Kianni was in support of the cookie stuffing practices, and encouraged team members to implement shady practices.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Santa Margarita River Trail Looking for a shady spring or summertime hike?
    — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • By mid-July, an undercover FBI informant posing as an ISIS facilitator was messaging with her.
    — Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • An undercover officer posing as a UPS driver saw Vargas, 35, outside the building where the packages were being shipped, prosecutors said.
    — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • If the stove is level but a burner looks crooked or heats unevenly, the problem may be the burner, not the appliance.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Music takes on a different purpose by mid-August—who isn’t feeling a little lazy and crooked by now, spiritually overserved and ready for a nap?
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of crooked
Adjective
  • In July 2025, utility workers excavating trenches to expand an underground gas network in Peru's capital unearthed two pre-Incan tombs that were over 1,000 years old.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • These underground excursions are a park favorite, so make your reservations early.
    — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of underground

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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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of underhand for Spanish Speakers

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