Backhanded and Direct

Opposite meaning words

Backhanded adjective - Not being or expressing what one appears to be or express.

Usage example: “You throw okay, for a girl” is a bit of a backhanded compliment

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Direct is an antonym for backhanded.

Nearby Words: backhander, backhand

Direct adjective - Straightforward in means or manner or behavior or language or action.

Usage example: a direct approach

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Backhanded is an antonym for direct.

Cite this Source

Direct and Backhanded. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/direct

Backhanded & Direct. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/direct>.

Direct or Backhanded. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/direct.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backhanded" and "direct" have occurred on timeline