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underhand

adverb
un·​der·​hand | \ ˈən-dÉ™r-ËŒhand How to pronounce underhand (audio) \

Definition of underhand

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : in a clandestine manner
b archaic : in a quiet or unobtrusive manner
2 : with an underhand motion bowl underhand pitch underhand

underhand

adjective

Definition of underhand (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : underhanded
2 : done so as to evade notice
3 : made with the hand brought forward and up from below the shoulder level an underhand serve
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about underhand

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Synonyms & Antonyms for underhand

Synonyms: Adjective

bent [chiefly British], crooked, deceptive, dishonest, double-dealing, duplicitous, fast, fraudulent, guileful, rogue, shady, sharp, shifty, underhanded

Antonyms: Adjective

aboveboard, honest, straight

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Examples of underhand in a Sentence

Adjective

 willing to stoop to underhand methods in order to win the congressman's underhand attempt to slip several pork barrel items into the bill

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 Makita’s practically underhand release is unlike any pitcher presently in the majors and few ever. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres notes: Pirela heating up, really up; Maki finds balance; Strahm finds zone," 27 May 2018 The reason this is important is that permission is being obtained in an underhand way—in effect being tricked out of us. — Mark Dixon, Fortune, "GDPR Should Have Made Cookies Toast," 24 May 2018 The game needs to help the bowlers more because the imbalance between bat and ball is one reason why bowlers and fielders have felt the need to alter the condition of the ball in an underhand way. — Nick Compton, CNN, "How to solve cricket's ball-tampering problem?," 30 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underhand.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of underhand

Adverb

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for underhand

underhand

adverb
How to pronounce underhand (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of underhand

 (Entry 1 of 2)

US : with an underhand motion

underhand

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of underhand (Entry 2 of 2)

US : made with the hand brought forward and upward from below the shoulder

See the full definition for underhand in the English Language Learners Dictionary

underhand

adverb
un·​der·​hand | \ ˈən-dÉ™r-ËŒhand How to pronounce underhand (audio) \

Kids Definition of underhand

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: with an upward movement of the hand or arm She threw underhand.

underhand

adjective

Kids Definition of underhand (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : done in secret or so as to deceive underhand dealings
2 : made with an upward movement of the hand or arm an underhand throw

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More from Merriam-Webster on underhand

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with underhand

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for underhand

Spanish Central: Translation of underhand

Nglish: Translation of underhand for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of underhand for Arabic Speakers

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