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.

By insisting defensively that you’re “not a generally careless person,” in fact, you’re backhandedly validating his view that marriage is a competence contest.

From Washington Post • Dec. 1, 2021

Instead, she praised it backhandedly as “a shallow masterpiece” that is “overwrought” with “obvious penny-dreadful popular theatrics.”

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2015

Ross backhandedly complimented Seinfeld for sticking to his guns, saying it was refreshing to see someone, “who is not necessarily considered an ‘edgy’ comedian, stand up for comedy as an art form.”

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2015

The sensibilities tied together by each of these pieces can seem far apart, but the band does the job backhandedly, as if it’s no big thing; theirs is a particularly Chicago mind-set, strong-willed and unpretentious.

From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2012

Relative to the city, it was hardly the most thrilling of places – though if I picked the right records, I could hear my environment being bemoaned and backhandedly celebrated in terms I instantly understood.

From The Guardian • Apr. 2, 2010