Backhanded
Backhanded adjective - Not being or expressing what one appears to be or express.
Cunning and backhanded are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Cunning" instead an adjective "Backhanded".
Nearby Words: backhander, backhand
Cunning
Cunning adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: a cunning, underhanded plan to win the election by preying on people's fears and prejudices
Backhanded and cunning are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Backhanded" instead an adjective "Cunning".
Nearby Word: cunningly
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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Oddly enough, his nickname is actually a backhanded compliment, since "worm" refers to a dragon, meaning he speaks with cunning and persuasion.
Source: Obviously Evil
Cite this Source
Cunning and Backhanded. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 07, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/cunning
Backhanded & Cunning. N.p., 2016. Web. 07 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/cunning>.
Cunning or Backhanded. 2016. Accessed August 07, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/cunning.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backhanded" and "cunning" have occurred on timeline