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underhanded

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word underhanded distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of underhanded are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, stealthy, and surreptitious. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Where would clandestine be a reasonable alternative to underhanded?

In some situations, the words clandestine and underhanded are roughly equivalent. However, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

When is covert a more appropriate choice than underhanded?

The meanings of covert and underhanded largely overlap; however, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When can furtive be used instead of underhanded?

Although the words furtive and underhanded have much in common, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When might secret be a better fit than underhanded?

While the synonyms secret and underhanded are close in meaning, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When could stealthy be used to replace underhanded?

The words stealthy and underhanded can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

When is it sensible to use surreptitious instead of underhanded?

The synonyms surreptitious and underhanded are sometimes interchangeable, but surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

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 underhanded
Adverb
Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation As the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Cena has embraced his villainous side, retaining his title against stars like Randy Orton by using cheap shots and underhanded tactics. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 The union representing Southern California hospitality workers has accused a group of airlines and hotel businesses of using underhanded tactics in support of a petition to overturn a city ordinance boosting the minimum wage in Los Angeles. Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 Cena, however, ultimately emerged victorious, squeaking by Orton via underhanded tactics to continue his heel run. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 Furthermore, resist being underhanded, especially if these battles are work-related. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underhanded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underhanded
Adjective
  • Specifically, the four customers argued that Hershey's violated Florida Deceptive And Unfair Trade Practices Act, which is designed to protect Floridians from unfair competition, deceptive acts and unethical practices.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In recent years, users have increasingly been taking to court to challenge allegedly deceptive practices by Amazon.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s being communicated in this clandestine network of underground messaging?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a lead character’s creeping paranoia, a plot driven by nefarious and clandestine powers that be, the encroachment of the past on the present.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
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
Adjective
  • Throughout the enrollment process, there was no reason to believe the official birth certificate was fraudulent.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • One plaintiff claimed their debit card was allegedly used for $80 in fraudulent charges.
    Chase Jordan October 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts.
    Mehera Bonner, Marie Claire, 15 Mar. 2017
Adjective
  • But when a mysterious and powerful agent disrupts the negotiations, Brahim discovers the shady side of the business.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Remove a few overhead tree branches if your planting site is too shady.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This model protects against allergens like pollen and pet dander, smoke, dust, and does it all from a place of covert, inoffensive design.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The detectives’ new case takes them to a remote Arctic research station, where a member of a covert British special forces mission has been shot dead.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Karalis supplies his colleagues with fluorescent orange utility uniforms and stealthily leads them through the back door of the Bank Al Muraqabah, located just below Rahim’s building.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Others are stealthily looking for deals, sales, using layaway options and trading brand preferences for affordability.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Underhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underhanded. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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