OpenSynonym

backhand

/ˈbækˌhænd/

NOUN

1. A stroke made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

A stroke in tennis or another racket sport made by swinging the racket across the body, with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot.

1.1. Racket sports technique

Refers to a tennis or other racket-sport stroke in which the player swings the racket across the body using the backhand side.

Synonyms

  • backhand stroke
  • backhand shot
  • backhand drive

Antonyms

Examples

  • She returned the serve with a powerful backhand.
  • His backhand is one of the strongest parts of his tennis game.
  • The player used a backhand slice to place the ball close to the net.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Handwriting that slopes to the left

A style of handwriting in which the letters lean toward the left rather than the right or remain upright.

2.1. Left-slanting handwriting

Refers to handwriting characterized by letters that consistently incline toward the left.

Synonyms

  • left-slanting handwriting
  • left-leaning script

Antonyms

  • right-slanting handwriting
  • upright handwriting

Examples

  • The document was written in an unusual backhand that leaned noticeably to the left.
  • The handwriting expert identified the distinctive backhand in the old letter.

Related Words

NOUN

3. The standard throwing technique in Ultimate Frisbee

A throw in which the disc begins on the player's non-dominant side, moves across the chest, and is released from the opposite side.

3.1. Ultimate Frisbee throwing technique

Refers to the basic Frisbee throw performed by moving the disc across the body before releasing it with a wrist flick.

Synonyms

  • backhand throw

Antonyms

  • forehand throw
  • flick

Examples

  • The beginner learned to perform a backhand before practicing more advanced Frisbee throws.
  • She delivered an accurate backhand throw to her teammate.

Related Words

NOUN

4. The reverse side of the human hand

The outer surface of the hand opposite the palm, extending across the knuckles and the backs of the fingers.

4.1. Anatomical part of the hand

Refers to the dorsal surface of the hand, which faces outward when the palm is turned downward.

Synonyms

  • dorsum of the hand
  • back of the hand

Antonyms

Examples

  • A small scar was visible on the backhand of his right hand.
  • She wiped the sweat from her forehead with the backhand of her glove.

Related Words

  • knuckles
  • fingers
  • wrist
  • metacarpus
  • hand anatomy

VERB

5. To strike with the back of the hand

To slap or hit someone or something using the back of one's hand rather than the palm.

5.1. Slapping with the back of the hand

Describes striking someone with a quick swinging motion using the back of the hand.

Synonyms

Examples

  • He backhanded the attacker during the struggle.
  • The character backhanded the man who insulted her.

Related Words

5.2. Executing a backhand stroke or throw

Describes performing a backhand movement in a racket sport or throwing a flying disc across the body.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The tennis player backhanded the ball into the opposite corner.
  • She backhanded the Frisbee toward her teammate.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

6. Slanting toward the left in handwriting

Having letters or written characters that lean toward the left.

6.1. Left-slanting writing style

Describes handwriting or script in which the letters incline toward the left.

Synonyms

  • left-slanting
  • left-leaning

Antonyms

  • right-slanting
  • upright

Examples

  • The handwritten note featured a distinctive backhand style.
  • The calligrapher demonstrated how to create backhand lettering.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

7. Performed using a backhand technique

Made or executed with a backhand movement, particularly in racket sports or hockey.

7.1. Backhand sports strokes and plays

Describes a shot, stroke, or play performed using the backhand side of a racket or hockey stick.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The player scored with a precise backhand shot.
  • He made a quick backhand pass using the reverse side of his hockey stick.

Related Words