backhanded

adjective

back·​hand·​ed ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce backhanded (audio)
1
: indirect, devious
especially : sarcastic
a backhanded compliment
2
: using or made with a backhand
backhandedly adverb

Examples of backhanded in a Sentence

We were disappointed by his backhanded apology. “You throw okay, for a girl” is a bit of a backhanded compliment
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There was nearly a fourth as well, though rookie Kristian Campbell was able to make an impressive backhanded grab in shallow right with his back to the infield in the bottom of the fourth. Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025 Barkov showed off his skill in the clinching game against the Hurricanes, fending off defenseman Dmitry Orlov against the boards before feeding Carter Verhaeghe a perfect, backhanded pass to set up what would prove to be the conference-winning goal. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025 Critics say work requirements are a backhanded way to slim down the Medicaid rolls, since the paperwork requirements of such programs have proved so onerous that eligible people drop out, causing the uninsured rate to rise. Elisabeth Rosenthal, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025 LeMahieu then ended the inning with a slick, backhanded, sliding play on a Lindor groundout. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for backhanded

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backhanded was in 1748

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Cite this Entry

“Backhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhanded. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

backhanded

adjective
back·​hand·​ed ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce backhanded (audio)
1
2
: not sincere
a backhanded compliment

More from Merriam-Webster on backhanded

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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