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.

Memes documenting the backhanded—if well-intentioned—line popped up instantaneously. —

Lindy Segal, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024 Draisaitl was the beneficiary of a beautiful, backhanded pass from Darnell Nurse to further extend the lead before veteran Corey Perry scored from distance. —

Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024 On a similar note, Sweet Tea’s comments about Quad’s new man feel a bit backhanded, especially considering she was once married to her current husband. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for backhanded