backhanded
adjective
back·hand·ed
ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd 
2
: using or made with a backhand
backhandedly
adverb
Synonyms
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
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 
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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
Articles Related to backhanded
Dictionary Entries Near backhanded
Cite this Entry
“Backhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhanded. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backhanded
adjective
back·hand·ed
ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd
1
2
: not sincere
a backhanded compliment
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