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backstairs

adjective

ˈbak-ˌsterz How to pronounce backstairs (audio)
Definition of backstairsnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  1. clandestine
  2. undercover
  3. underground
  4. covert
  5. private
Adjective
  • Facing a massive defense budget shortfall, Ukraine has not been able to cash in on the millions of dollars earned by its clandestine adult-content industry.
    — Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • And so, at first light, when firefighters had won the day and the smoke cleared to reveal the ostrich flock still standing, the sight didn’t lead to any reconsideration of the night’s theories of clandestine slaughter.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • The second half throws us into the other timeline, where Ari’s doppelgänger, known as Ibari, is a high-ranking undercover operative willing to disappear fellow citizens that pose challenges to the authoritarian government.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The news program worked with internet watchdog group Perverted Justice to record undercover sting operations against alleged pedophiles.
    — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • The property also comes with planning permission for another 10,000 square feet, including additional living space, staff quarters, and underground parking for up to 17 cars.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of underground
Adjective
  • The products arrive amid lawsuits over covert recordings, concerns about AI safety and political pressure for greater oversight of rapidly advancing technology.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Future Nyota hasn’t let this new, semi-covert relationship distract her from her job, however.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • The Aries Full Moon illuminates your private 12th house, bringing an old emotion, habit, memory, or attachment closer to the surface.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • For a special occasion, reserve a sunset or moonlit dinner in one of four private cabanas on the sand.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of private

Browse Nearby Words

backstage
backstairs
backstop
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Cite this Entry

“Backstairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstairs. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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