backhanded

adjective

back·hand·ed ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd

Synonyms of backhanded next

: indirect, devious

especially : sarcastic

a backhanded compliment

: 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.

Holland explained how fellow Spider-Man star and girlfriend Zendaya was useful in a sort of backhanded way. —

Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 That’s not a backhanded compliment but an argument in favor of streamers taking risks on untested talent (hopefully even those without a famous parent). —

Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2024 Will, the outrageously arrogant master of the backhanded compliment, brings out the jealous streak in his brother, who’s taken aback by Will’s unscheduled return from Los Angeles under secretive circumstances. —

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2024 At first glance, the passthrough prohibition resembles a backhanded attempt at price controls, which are distasteful for a variety of reasons. —

Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backhanded