Backhanded
Backhanded adjective - Not being or expressing what one appears to be or express.
Subtle and backhanded are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Subtle" instead an adjective "Backhanded".
Nearby Words: backhander, backhand
Subtle
Subtle adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: used subtle methods of persuasion
Backhanded and subtle are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Backhanded" instead an adjective "Subtle".
Both words in one sentence
- The anime makes it clear (albeit in a very subtle, backhanded way) that Clair is jealous of Daisuke and admires Kyoko, but at the same time, isn't going to get in the way of Daisuke x Kyoko.
Source: Ship Tease / Anime and Manga - Anthy herself has this in the form of some of her more subtle backhanded comebacks with her otherwise Extreme Doormat personality, which tend to be pretty funny the first time you hear them.
Source: Cerebus Retcon
Cite this Source
Subtle and Backhanded. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 07, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/subtle
Backhanded & Subtle. N.p., 2016. Web. 07 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/subtle>.
Subtle or Backhanded. 2016. Accessed August 07, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backhanded/subtle.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backhanded" and "subtle" have occurred on timeline