1. in an indirect or insincere way, especially when giving a compliment that contains criticism

Examples

• She backhandedly complimented his cooking by saying it was ‘surprisingly edible.’
• He backhandedly praised her presentation, noting it was ‘better than expected.’
• The critic backhandedly admired the film’s ‘ambitious attempt at storytelling.’
• She backhandedly thanked him for his ‘unique’ fashion sense.
• The teacher backhandedly encouraged the student by saying his work showed ‘some improvement.’
• He backhandedly complimented her driving skills as ‘adventurous.’