backhanded

adjective

ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce backhanded (audio)
Definition of backhandednext
as in double
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express "I'm amazed you did so well" is a bit of a backhanded compliment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 backhanded He was helped by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who made a backhanded stop on a sharp grounder while playing in and threw out Mauricio Dubón for the second out to keep the automatic runner at third. — ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 That is not meant as a backhanded compliment, but an indictment of the past regime. — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 In the aftermath, Doncic pushed Williams in the lower back, and Williams responded by striking Doncic with a backhanded swing. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026 This is a backhanded way of encouraging all companies to tighten up security on their products. — Jeremy Hsu, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Apr. 2019 See All Example Sentences for backhanded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhanded
  1. double
  2. fake
  3. lip
  4. hypocritical
  5. insincere
  6. strained
  7. superficial
  8. meaningless
Adjective
  • Travel and tech accessories include a multi zip case, passport sleeve, double zip wash bag, small laptop case, large flat card holder, key ring with leather strap, and sunglasses case.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Sal Frelick robbed Freddie Freeman of a double with a nice running catch in the right center field gap, but an error on a pickoff attempt at first base brought Edman in to score.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • When Lee gets to the visitation window, there’s a fake Mekko sitting across from him.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved.
    — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip
Adjective
  • The fine was controversial to begin with, as fans and pundits pointed out the NFL’s business with beer sponsors such as Bud Light and called the sensitivity over the celebration hypocritical.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In his appeal, Juszczyk also argued that fining players for pretending to drink beer was hypocritical given the NFL’s beer sponsorships.
    — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of hypocritical
Adjective
  • Leigh feared the tracks might be too arch, too pretentious, too insincere.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • After the ceremony, Lewandowski spoke to Polish football show Moc Futbolu and reportedly labeled Messi’s Ballon d’Or speech as insincere.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of insincere
Adjective
  • Raman’s tendency to rethink her policy decisions has also contributed to her strained relations with her council colleagues, nearly all of whom are backing the mayor’s reelection bid.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • French bond woes Yields on French government bonds have surged to multiyear highs in recent days, as the country's mounting debt crisis fuels wider concerns about Europe's strained public finances.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Tyson is at once scary, funny, personable, distasteful, introspective, superficial, articulate and incoherent.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Officers arrived at Harrison's room at the Great Wolf Lodge and noticed bleeding cuts on her left wrist and superficial punctures on her neck, the criminal complaint said.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • Over the next two games, defenses stopped Baugh in his tracks, limiting him to just 72 yards on 27 carries and a meaningless TD late in a 38-19 loss to South Carolina.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The point is that in this new format, games that take place in September, or even early October, will feel more meaningless than ever.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of meaningless

Browse Nearby Words

backhand
backhanded
backhander
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Cite this Entry

“Backhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanded. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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