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backhanded Synonyms

Another word for backhanded

Choosing another word for backhanded depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Indirect, ambiguous, or insincere, especially when conveying subtle criticism under the guise of praise.

Usage Example

"Telling the author that her new novel was surprisingly readable felt like a left-handed compliment."

Strongest
left-handed
double-edged
Strong
ambiguous
insincere
equivocal
snide
Weak
underhanded

• adjective (Context 2)

Performed with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke or movement.

Usage Example

"The tennis player delivered a powerful backhand volley down the line to win the match."

Strongest
backhand

• adverb (Context 3)

With the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke, or in an indirect, ambiguous manner.

Usage Example

"He returned the serve backhandedly before rushing toward the net."

Strongest
backhandedly
backhand

Opposites of backhanded

The opposite of backhanded shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

forehanded
forthright
sincere
straightforward
genuine
wholehearted
See all opposites of backhanded

• Nearby Words

background
backgrounder
backhand
backhanded
backhandedly
backhander
backhoe

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Backhanded. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/backhanded
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