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
  • Section 548 in general states the bankruptcy law on fraudulent transfers.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Hatagan’s testimony at his sentencing undid the fraudulent invoices claim presented by prosecutors and that statute of limitations began when the alleged crime occurred, the motion stated.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of fraudulent
Adjective
  • Mexican authorities have dismantled well over a thousand clandestine drug laboratories, seized enormous quantities of narcotics and fentanyl pills, arrested thousands of cartel operatives, and extradited major criminal figures to the United States.
    — Chris Shays, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the previous four years, Russia has, for example, sent drones and clandestine operatives to disrupt European defense production facilities, military bases, and transport infrastructure.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • The county attorney presented a plan to sue several big pharma companies for the deceptive marketing practices that triggered the opioid epidemic, following the pattern established by lawsuits filed against tobacco companies starting in the 1990s.
    — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Outside companies can test systems for cybersecurity risks, deceptive behavior, privacy failures, bias and dangerous capabilities.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • During cybersecurity evaluations in May, its models used a covert message board to coordinate across runs, leaving later versions instructions for reaching the open internet.
    — Harry Booth, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The task force is reportedly staffing up with officers who specialize in recruiting informants, intelligence analysis, cyber operations and covert influence campaigns.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • There are plenty of shady spots to set up and enjoy a true natural entertainment spot.
    — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Wait until fall to sod shady areas to prevent decline due to excessive moisture.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • Wong haunts the stories of the Floridian smugglers, connected to many of the feuds and undercover operations.
    — Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a dizzying amount of outlandish behavior going on, from chimps with a taste for cocaine, to a former drug dealer who is devoted to reptiles and on to those who engage in intense undercover sting operations.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • In other words, surveillance technology is responsible for taking 50 crooked cops off the beat.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Seeing no evil are legions of crooked operators — customs inspectors, tax agents, military commanders, among other enablers.
    — Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of crooked
Adjective
  • These were voices—complaining, confiding, exasperated, distressed—that had not been heard before, as if the novel were a speaking tube cued to an underground rumble.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Eden Aurelius is a relatively recent arrival to New York’s underground club scene, but her slim discography so far shows remarkable focus.
    — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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