as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision
the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm
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Recent Examples of backhander
After watching a Jonas Brothers concert and a stirring national anthem by saxophonist Jake Clemons, some fans weren't settled in their seats before Ondrej Palat sprung Hischier for a backhander between Ersson's pads at 32 seconds.
—
Tom Canavan, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024
The new Byfield line produced the decisive goal, at 18:13 of the second period, when Byfield converted the rebound of a nifty backhander by Anderson-Dolan.
—Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2024
The defender used her long reach and some slick moves to deke past the St. Mary’s defender, and coolly finished the play with a backhander to beat Catino.
—Olivia Nolan, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Mar. 2023
Ullmark stopped Anthony Cirelli’s backhander on a partial breakaway with about seven minutes left.
—Ken Powtak, ajc, 25 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for backhander 
Tom Canavan, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024
The new Byfield line produced the decisive goal, at 18:13 of the second period, when Byfield converted the rebound of a nifty backhander by Anderson-Dolan.
—Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2024
The defender used her long reach and some slick moves to deke past the St. Mary’s defender, and coolly finished the play with a backhander to beat Catino.
—Olivia Nolan, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Mar. 2023
Ullmark stopped Anthony Cirelli’s backhander on a partial breakaway with about seven minutes left.
—Ken Powtak, ajc, 25 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for backhander
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Cite this Entry
“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhander. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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