backbite

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Characters backbite, bellyache, reluctantly pitch in and commit mundane acts of heroism in a largely believable manner, and there’s blessedly little inspirational speechmaking.

From New York Times • Sep. 11, 2022

Diana could spin one delicious backbite like that into a column.

From Time Magazine Archive

Use his men well, Davy; for they     are arrant knaves and will backbite.

From The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by Shakespeare, William

One can't be very frivolous when there is no one to be frivolous with; nor can one backbite and be unkind, for there is no provocation.

From Olivia in India by Douglas, O.

It is true that Pygmalion was an artist, and these are proverbially difficult husbands: after an hour's work an artist will "sneer, backbite and speak daggers."

From The Intelligence of Woman by George, Walter Lionel