un·der·hand
ˈən-dər-ˌhand 
1
a
: in a clandestine manner
b
archaic
: in a quiet or unobtrusive manner
2
: with an underhand motion
bowl underhand
pitch underhand
1
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
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
Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 13 June 2023
Pitchers tossed underhand and no one wore gloves yet, resulting in smarting pain in the hands of catchers and first basemen.
—Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2023
Sean Gregory, TIME, 25 June 2024
With a smaller playing area (about one-quarter the size of a tennis court), lighter wiffle balls and paddles, and underhand serves, pickleball is low impact and approachable for athletes of all levels.
—Outside Online, 29 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underhand 
Adverb
Each team will alternate tossing the bean bag underhand onto the board until all four bean bags are thrown.
—Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 13 June 2023
Pitchers tossed underhand and no one wore gloves yet, resulting in smarting pain in the hands of catchers and first basemen.
—Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2023
Adjective
Barry is a slasher who can get to the foul line and make his underhand free throws, just like his dad.
—Sean Gregory, TIME, 25 June 2024
With a smaller playing area (about one-quarter the size of a tennis court), lighter wiffle balls and paddles, and underhand serves, pickleball is low impact and approachable for athletes of all levels.
—Outside Online, 29 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underhand
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underhand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to underhand
Dictionary Entries Near underhand
Cite this Entry
“Underhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underhand. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underhand
1 of 2 adverb
un·der·hand
ˈən-dər-ˌhand
1
: in an underhand or secret manner
2
: with an underhand motion
throw underhand
underhand
2 of 2 adjective1
: done in secret or so as to deceive : sly
underhand methods
2
: performed with the hand kept below the level of the shoulder
an underhand pitch
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share