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

A parcel of old women who delight in having some one to run down and backbite.

From The Claverings by Trollope, Anthony

As Brandes wittily observes: "People who talk like that do not torture their enemy to death; they backbite him."

From Essays on Scandinavian Literature by Boyesen, Hjalmar Hjorth

The practice of letters is miserably harassing to the mind; and after an hour or two's work, all the more human portion of the author is extinct; he will bully, backbite, and speak daggers.

From Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers by Stevenson, Robert Louis