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Definition of backhander

backhander

/ˈbækˌhæn.dɚ/
back · hand · er
Plural:backhanders
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backhander Lexical Profile

backhander Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A secret or illegal payment made to someone in exchange for a favor or influence; a bribe.

Example

"The municipal official resigned after investigative journalists revealed he had accepted a substantial backhander from the construction firm."

2

A blow or slap delivered with the back of the hand.

Example

"In the classic novel, the hot-tempered squire threatened the insolent servant with a sharp backhander."

3

A stroke or shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke, as in tennis or hockey.

Example

"She won the final set by hitting a powerful crosscourt backhander right down the baseline."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for backhander

• Rhymes for backhander

• Nearby Words

backhand
backhanded
backhandedly
backhander
backheel
backhoe
backhouse

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Backhander. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/backhander
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