BACKSTAIRS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

backstairs

adjective

ˈbak-ˌsterz

Definition of backstairs

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others an influential Washington lobbyist who has been involved in a number of backstairs deals to limit regulation of financial institutions

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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 backstairs And in North Carolina, a boyish trial lawyer with jury-pleasing charm (John Edwards) knocked off Lauch Faircloth, a GOP senator who played a backstairs role in getting Kenneth Starr appointed as independent counsel. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 6 June 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstairs

Adjective

The clandestine Democratic effort to recruit a candidate who shares the name of the state’s incumbent Republican senator could have major implications for what happens after Tuesday.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
There was something sad in our meetups always having to be clandestine.

— Erica Garza, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of clandestine

Adjective

Robert Popowski allegedly began communicating with the undercover detective in July, according to law enforcement officials.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2026
After all, this is an institution that prizes itself on secrecy, deploying its undercover diners to restaurants the world in hopes of getting an accurate reporting of a typical dining experience.

— Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of undercover

Adjective

This covert communication will lead to trouble, exacerbating racial inequities even as Lord Balfour eventually, foolishly brings the war back to his own doorstep.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
The American intelligence community has repeatedly warned that America’s enemies use digital and covert operations to turn Americans against each other.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of covert

Adjective

Treatments include facials and body treatments from 111Skin, myBlend and Dr Burgener, plus the option to book a private spa suite or saline bath.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Wiles gave Trump her resignation Thursday night, a person familiar with the events told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the private conversation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of private

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backstage

backstairs

backstop

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“Backstairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstairs. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of backstairs

adjective

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