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

Perhaps the sheer existence of Thanos is his underhanded acknowledgment that people don’t like to think too deeply about the moral of the story.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2025

“You’re not exactly unbiased when it comes to questioning your parents,” he said, and he knew it was a petty, underhanded thing to say.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro