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

As Brandes wittily observes: "People who talk like that do not torture their enemy to death; they backbite him."

From Essays on Scandinavian Literature by Boyesen, Hjalmar Hjorth

All this while Michelangelo's enemies, headed by Nanni di Baccio Bigio, continued to calumniate and backbite.

From The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti by Symonds, John Addington

But courteous gentlemen, that favor most, backbite none, and pardon what is overslipped, let such come and welcome; I'll into the steward's room, and fetch them a can of our best beverage.

From Rosalynde or, Euphues' Golden Legacy by Baldwin, Edward Chauncey