underhanded

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.

Becket’s childhood friend Julia, played as an adult by a suitably underhanded Margaret Qualley, marries another man but keeps popping into Becket’s life with femme-fatale vibes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

He’s dealing with the laws of the state, and by employing the kind of underhanded tactics that might have worked in a familial context, he has opened himself to legal consequences.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

Shaquille O'Neal, when advised by Barry to "granny throw" in response to his poor 52% record, summed up the problem: "I'd shoot 0% before I'd shoot underhanded."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2025

Serves are underhanded and aces are slow, intricately placed shots that bounce at an angle off the side glass.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025

Always a model of courtesy, William hated to do anything underhanded, but Elizebeth made him promise he would say nothing to Fabyan until the very last moment.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield