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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
  • But in the Epsilon case, the Department of Justice (DOJ) showed how that label was being used inside a business unit that worked with fraudulent clients.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The city alleges the nonprofit obtained a state grant through a fraudulent application and failed to properly notify officials or meet community-engagement requirements.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of fraudulent
Adjective
  • Facing a massive defense budget shortfall, Ukraine has not been able to cash in on the millions of dollars earned by its clandestine adult-content industry.
    — Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • And so, at first light, when firefighters had won the day and the smoke cleared to reveal the ostrich flock still standing, the sight didn’t lead to any reconsideration of the night’s theories of clandestine slaughter.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • That’s why Meta has agreed to pay up to eighteen billion dollars as part of a settlement over predatory and deceptive practices, and why Anthropic is paying writers and publishers (admittedly, pennies) in a copyright settlement.
    — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Some states have enacted laws requiring disclosures or restricting deceptive political deepfakes near elections.
    — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • The products arrive amid lawsuits over covert recordings, concerns about AI safety and political pressure for greater oversight of rapidly advancing technology.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Future Nyota hasn’t let this new, semi-covert relationship distract her from her job, however.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • That combination can get past the skepticism many of us have learned to apply to obviously shady emails and suspicious websites.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • From Ryan and Myers to directors Adam Arkin, guest starring as a shady lawyer to boot, and Nina Lopez-Corrado, everybody on American Hostage deserves credit for introducing all these good elements.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • The growing fear in the community and rumors of undercover ICE agents in churches and church parking lots in other areas of the country has lead pastors to make major changes to their programming.
    — Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Murphy’s gang weren’t really outlaws to begin with — he was imprisoned for defending his daughter from some undercover cops, while Singh (Avi Nash) was arrested for his associations with socialism.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • Its most recognizable feature is a small crooked line of stars led by Hamal, its brightest member.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of crooked
Adjective
  • The property also comes with planning permission for another 10,000 square feet, including additional living space, staff quarters, and underground parking for up to 17 cars.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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