Backhanded
Backhanded adjective - Not being or expressing what one appears to be or express.
Offensive and backhanded are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Offensive" instead an adjective "Backhanded".
Nearby Words: backhander, backhand
Offensive
Offensive adjective - Causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment.
Backhanded and offensive are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Backhanded" instead an adjective "Offensive".
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- Slap-Slap-Kiss: Lily's prank offensive against Alec in "The Bugbear Talisman" has strong flirting overtones leaving the impression that it may have actually been a backhanded attempt to get him to pay more attention to her.
Source: Webcomic / Skin Deep
Cite this Source
Offensive and Backhanded. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/offensive
Backhanded & Offensive. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/offensive>.
Offensive or Backhanded. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/offensive.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backhanded" and "offensive" have occurred on timeline