underhanded
Done through deception
Underhanded describes actions that are sneaky, dishonest, or deceptive—done in a way meant to avoid detection: an underhanded business deal, underhanded tactics.
The image is of something done covertly, below the level where others can see.
Interchangeable with underhanded in most contexts, though underhanded is more common in American English.
Inclined to mislead others
- duplicitousDeliberately deceptive in nature
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- fraudulentInvolving intentional dishonesty
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
false · untruthful · dissembling · two-faced · disingenuous · lying · insincere · treacherous
Cleverly deceptive
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- covertIntentionally concealed
surreptitious · clandestine · shifty · skulking · slinking · behind-the-scenes · backstairs · hush-hush
Secretly planning wrongdoing
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- cunningSly, scheming cleverness
crafty · wily · artful · devious · machinating · maneuvering · strategic · tactical
Lacking moral principles
- unprincipledLacking moral standards
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- amoralWithout ethical concern
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
nefarious · iniquitous · wrongful · improper · unfair · unjust · unsportsmanlike · dirty
Deliberate misleading of others
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
chicanery · skulduggery · shenanigans · artifice · con · scam · scheme · swindle
deceitful
Inclined to mislead others
- duplicitousDeliberately deceptive in nature
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- fraudulentInvolving intentional dishonesty
misleading · false · untruthful · dissembling · two-faced · disingenuous · lying · insincere · treacherous · perfidious
sly
Cleverly deceptive
covert · surreptitious · clandestine · shifty · skulking · slinking · behind-the-scenes · backstairs · hush-hush · backdoor
conniving
Secretly planning wrongdoing
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
cunning · crafty · wily · artful · devious · machinating · maneuvering · strategic · tactical · insidious
unscrupulous
Lacking moral principles
- unprincipledLacking moral standards
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- amoralWithout ethical concern
corrupt · nefarious · iniquitous · wrongful · improper · unfair · unjust · unsportsmanlike · dirty · low
deceit
Deliberate misleading of others
subterfuge · chicanery · skulduggery · shenanigans · artifice · con · scam · scheme · swindle · hoax
underhandedhonest
Free from deception
straightforward · forthright · sincere · truthful · candid
underhandedaboveboard
Honest and unconcealed
open · overt · transparent · public · unconcealed