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.
Every Best Picture nominee got its backhanded compliment. Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 That faint praise is a backhanded tribute to the success of DEI campaigns, even as many Americans still scratch their heads in confusion over what DEI really is. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025 Critics liked it well enough, but often in a backhanded way, calling it a very good television movie. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Tavares made a backhanded scoop, lifting the puck toward the front of the net. Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 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 12 Mar. 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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