Definition of backhandernext
British
as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backhander Lyon stoned him on the first shot and then was able to recover and stop Mittelstadt’s backhander off the rebound. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026 With the teams skating 4-on-4 a minute later, Oettinger made a sprawling glove save on Matt Boldy backhander to keep the game tied. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2026 Anaheim ended Buffalo’s seven-game road winning streak when Tage Thompson couldn’t keep in the puck in the Ducks’ zone and Terry held on a 2-on-0 break to score on a backhander. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 Anaheim ended Buffalo's seven-game road winning streak when Tage Thompson couldn't keep in the puck in the Ducks' zone and Terry held on a 2-on-0 break to score on a backhander. CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backhander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhander
bribe
Noun
  • At first glance, neither player seemed to be vulnerable to bribes from gamblers.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Beasley, for his part, allegedly received bribes to pay off his debts.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhander. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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