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
  • But this is an album that’s apparently about the artist’s double life, and the questions that are bound to be at the forefront of any curious listener’s mind go unaddressed.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • To [React with exaggerated surprise] is to DO A DOUBLE TAKE — as in, to take out double letters (not consecutive ones, mind you).
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • Carmella is also still mad at Vicki for saying that Danny is raising her kids, and Heather is angry after learning that Vicki called her fake in Palm Springs.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • All are alleged to have sent investors fake account statements and communications claiming their investments were either safe and sound or growing rapidly.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 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
  • Californian Fred Karger, who made history in 2012 as the first openly gay person to run for president, had mixed views about the ad, calling it shrewd yet hypocritical.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Some churches have rightly been accused of being partisan, hypocritical and discriminatory toward women and minorities.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 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
  • Worries have been rising about the French government’s big debt and its strained budget.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Giancarlo Stanton, who hasn’t played since April 24 because of strained calf muscles in both legs, remained on the 26-man roster for the best-of-five series starting Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • In the 2030s, aging party leaders living in rarefied Zhongnanhai compounds may look out and see superficial stability.
    — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
  • While the two people in the vehicle were attempting to exit the vehicle though the front passenger door, the 17-year-old sustained a superficial gunshot wound to his buttock.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • Functional performance has always been counted in throughput, cost per transaction and cycle time, and those measures become close to meaningless once the routine work runs itself.
    — Charisma Glassman, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • If all of City’s results are to be scrapped this season, next season, or in four seasons to come, then whatever happens in the meantime is somewhat meaningless.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of meaningless

Browse Nearby Words

backhand
backhanded
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Cite this Entry

“Backhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhanded. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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