underhanded

1 of 2

adverb

un·​der·​hand·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈhan-dəd 

: underhand

underhanded

2 of 2

adjective

: marked by secrecy, chicanery, and deception : not honest and aboveboard : sly

an underhanded attempt to gain power

underhandedly adverb

underhandedness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• bent [chiefly British]
• crooked
• deceptive
• dishonest
• double-dealing
• duplicitous
• fast
• fraudulent
• guileful
• rogue
• shady
• sharp
• shifty
• underhand

Choose the Right Synonym for underhanded

secret, covert, stealthy, furtive, clandestine, surreptitious, underhanded mean done without attracting observation.

secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Examples of underhanded in a Sentence

Adjective

the commercial is a part of an underhanded PR campaign to whitewash the company's environmental record

an underhanded attempt at infiltrating the other party's headquarters

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

What’s more, Owens—the true definition of a despicable heel—could end Rhodes’ reign as champion via underhanded tactics, protecting Rhodes in the process. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Close proves to be inspired casting as the underhanded and unrepentant Cath, who shows barely any indication of maternal concern for her sons in a quest to get her hands on the emeralds. —Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024

Given the way that feuds like this are typically booked, Reed should get the first win without any underhanded tactics so that Rollins, the fan favorite, has to overcome the odds to ultimately win the rivalry. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Adversaries can use these underhanded tactics to twist public opinion, discredit the vote, and sway its outcome. —David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1822, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1853, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

underhanded

adjective or adverb

un·​der·​hand·​ed

ˌən-dər-ˈhan-dəd

: underhand entry 1, underhand entry 2 sense 1

underhandedly adverb

underhandedness noun