surreptitious

adjective

ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs How to pronounce surreptitious (audio)
Definition of surreptitiousnext
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a private investigator adept at taking surreptitious pictures of adulterous couples

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word surreptitious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of surreptitious are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, stealthy, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When would clandestine be a good substitute for surreptitious?

The synonyms clandestine and surreptitious are sometimes interchangeable, but clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

In what contexts can covert take the place of surreptitious?

While the synonyms covert and surreptitious are close in meaning, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When might furtive be a better fit than surreptitious?

While in some cases nearly identical to surreptitious, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

Where would secret be a reasonable alternative to surreptitious?

The meanings of secret and surreptitious largely overlap; however, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When could stealthy be used to replace surreptitious?

The words stealthy and surreptitious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

When is underhanded a more appropriate choice than surreptitious?

The words underhanded and surreptitious can be used in similar contexts, but underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of surreptitious For example: In 2003, a group of Providence, Rhode Island, artists embarked on a project combining installation art and surreptitious living arrangements. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025 The first surreptitious shots of Robbie in costume, however, lit up the internet anew. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025 The department has been criticized for using surreptitious means to collect DNA, like grabbing a soda can used by a suspect after questioning. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025 However, when intentions are left surreptitious, fashion can be used as a political weapon. —Chloe Iris Kennedy, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for surreptitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surreptitious
  1. clandestine
  2. covert
  3. undercover
  4. underground
  5. private
Adjective
  • Speaking with Robbie Fox on the My Mom's Basement podcast, the former WWE Champion shared the story of the clandestine meeting.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • Even when targeting America’s enemies, not all are supportive of clandestine cyberattacks.
    — Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • The bill would ban face coverings during public enforcement operations unless medically required or part of a covert investigation.
    — Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • The human touch is also crucial for ensuring accountability with agentic AI use, particularly for security considerations like accountability and distinguishing a genuine user from a covert threat.
    — Imran Aftab, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • At the beginning of the season, host Alan Cumming picks the Traitors that will pit the Faithful against each other by murdering them one by one while trying to remain undercover.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 22 July 2025
  • Ogles cited an undercover video obtained by conservative news website Townhall which appears to show a university employee discussing the school’s Office of Hope, Unity, and Belonging.
    — Ruben Montoya, The Tennessean, 19 July 2025
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • His villa had a pool, a gym, appliances and a game room, and his underground bunker had a bed, a refrigerator and air conditioning, according to the feds.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
  • For example, a criminal group known as Scattered Spider recently attacked famed British retailer Marks & Spencer, allegedly using solutions purchased on underground forums.
    — Damon Fleury, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of underground
Adjective
  • Spelman will be cremated in a private ceremony Thursday, his family said.
    — Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • In the social media post, the private university in La Crosse said the public can help by joining the search and sharing posts on social media.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Definition of private

Browse Nearby Words

surrender (to)
surreptitious
surreptitiously
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Cite this Entry

“Surreptitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surreptitious. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of surreptitious for Spanish Speakers

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