stealthy

adjective \ ˈstel-thē \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of stealthy

stealthier; stealthiest

1 : slow, deliberate, and secret in action or character

2 a : intended to escape observation : furtive

b : designed to produce a very weak radar return

a stealthy airplane

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stealthily

play \ˈstel-thə-lē\ adverb

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stealthiness

play \ˈstel-thē-nəs\ noun

See stealthy defined for English-language learners

See stealthy defined for kids

Examples of stealthy in a Sentence

the stealthy movements of the crocodile
cats are among the stealthiest of stalkers

Recent Examples of stealthy from the Web

The Globe reported over the weekend that Kerry has been engaged in a stealthy campaign to try and salvage the agreement, which was one of his signature accomplishments.

— christina prignano, BostonGlobe.com, "John Kerry says Trump’s Iran decision ‘breaks America’s word’," 8 May 2018
Both have stealthy quickness with their spin moves.

— chris solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State's Nick Ward on the clock: Test NBA draft or return?," 7 May 2018
With a hint of glee, John Spanos spoke a few years ago of the stealthy game the San Diego Chargers played off the field every year.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "NFL Draft separated fact from predraft fiction," 4 May 2018
But critics say the Juul's sweet flavors and stealthy design seem to be aimed at kids.

— collin binkley, The Christian Science Monitor, "Widespread teen vaping sparks concerns in schools," 30 Apr. 2018
But critics say the Juul’s sweet flavors and stealthy design seem to be aimed at kids.

— Washington Post, "Schools fret as teens take to vaping, even in classrooms," 29 Apr. 2018
After a stealthy approach to enemy shores, a ramp in the M80 Stiletto’s rear can lower to launch a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB)loaded with 12 fierce and fearless Navy SEALs for rapid insertion into enemy territory.

— allison barrie, Fox News, "Futuristic, new Navy SEAL boat dubbed 'Batmobile'," 13 Apr. 2018
Even in Silicon Valley, which is known for producing eerily predictive algorithms, people find Facebook’s stealthy tracking and targeting of users creepy.

— The Economist, "If Facebook will not fix itself, will Congress?," 11 Apr. 2018
One day engineers could use the sea lion’s secrets to create super-maneuverable, super-stealthy vehicles that’ll better navigate dangers like underwater minefields.

— laura mallonee, WIRED, "A Nighttime Underwater Spectacle Off the Coast of the Philippines," 3 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stealthy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of stealthy

1565

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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stealthy Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of stealthy

secret, covert, stealthy, furtive, clandestine, surreptitious, underhanded mean done without attracting observation. secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.