Dictionary
1underhanded
adverb un·der·hand·ed \ˌən-dər-ˈhan-dəd\
Definition of UNDERHANDED
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First Known Use of UNDERHANDED
circa 1822
Rhymes with UNDERHANDED
2underhanded
adjective
: done in a secret and dishonest way : intended to deceive or trick someone
Full Definition of UNDERHANDED
: marked by secrecy, chicanery, and deception : not honest and aboveboard : sly <an underhanded attempt to gain power>
— un·der·hand·ed·ly adverb
— un·der·hand·ed·ness noun
See underhanded defined for English-language learners
See underhanded defined for kids
First Known Use of UNDERHANDED
1853
Related to UNDERHANDED
- Synonyms
- bent [chiefly British], crooked, deceptive, double-dealing, duplicitous, fast, fraudulent, guileful, rogue, shady, sharp, shifty, underhand, dishonest
- Antonyms
- aboveboard, honest, straight
Synonym Discussion of UNDERHANDED
secret, covert, stealthy, furtive, clandestine, surreptitious, underhanded mean done without attracting observation. secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive <met at a secret location>. covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared <covert intelligence operations>. stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing <the stealthy step of a burglar>. furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness <lovers exchanging furtive glances>. clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered <a clandestine meeting of conspirators>. surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority <the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons>. underhanded stresses fraud or deception <an underhanded trick>.
UNDERHANDEDLY Defined for Kids
underhanded
adjective un·der·hand·ed \ˌən-dər-ˈhan-dəd\
Definition of UNDERHANDED for Kids
: 2underhand 1
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