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
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Recent Examples of backhander
The center caught the pass and scored on a backhander from the top of the crease at 3:37.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
As Souliere scrambled back into the crease, Ali spun and fired a backhander that found the back of the net for a 3-1 Irish lead.
—Patrick Donnelly, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025
When Clayton Keller popped a backhander over Fleury a few minutes later, the rout was on.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2025
In the first period, after taking an outlet pass in the neutral zone from Drew Doughty, McDavid punched the turbos, blew past McAvoy and catapulted a backhander over Hellebuyck for the game’s opening goal.
—Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backhander
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
As Souliere scrambled back into the crease, Ali spun and fired a backhander that found the back of the net for a 3-1 Irish lead.
—Patrick Donnelly, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025
When Clayton Keller popped a backhander over Fleury a few minutes later, the rout was on.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2025
In the first period, after taking an outlet pass in the neutral zone from Drew Doughty, McDavid punched the turbos, blew past McAvoy and catapulted a backhander over Hellebuyck for the game’s opening goal.
—Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backhander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhander
bribe
Noun
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Prosecutors alleged that Jenkins accepted cash bribes and bribes in the form of campaign contributions from various individuals, including two who were undercover FBI agents.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
26 May 2025
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Also, the administration announced a pause in criminal enforcement of a law that prohibits U.S. companies from paying bribes to foreign officials, according to NBC News.—
Willie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhander. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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