backbite

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.

Characters backbite, bellyache, reluctantly pitch in and commit mundane acts of heroism in a largely believable manner, and there’s blessedly little inspirational speechmaking.

From New York Times • Sep. 11, 2022

Diana could spin one delicious backbite like that into a column.

From Time Magazine Archive

Even as thou art scandalizing others, thine own nature is being abased, whilst those whom thou dost backbite remain the same.

From The Silver Lining A Guernsey Story by Roussel, John

Wherefore, properly speaking, to backbite is to speak ill of an absent person in order to blacken his good name.

From Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

Use his men well, Davy; for they     are arrant knaves and will backbite.

From The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by Shakespeare, William