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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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
Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 6 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstairs
Adjective
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Darrell Lee Vannostran, 40, was booked after he was arrested for the use of photo or video equipment in a clandestine manner in a private place.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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In January, authorities announced more than 1,500 pounds of meth were seized from clandestine laboratories in the states of Durango, Sinaloa and Michoacán.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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However, the user was, in fact, an undercover detective with the HCSO, documents said.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
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But the charges were quickly dropped by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office — and police admitted Brown turned out not to be the man cops were seeking for taking money from a drug dealer after the dealer sold crack to an undercover cop near the store.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts.—
Mehera Bonner,
Marie Claire,
15 Mar. 2017
Adjective
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With funding from the Global Environment Facility, or GEF, the Djibouti government spent $150,000 digging a borehole to access underground water and another $100,000 fitting it with a solar pump that would fill a series of large concrete water tanks.—
Julie Bourdin,
NPR,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Pelham Boulevard reconstruction project will replace underground utilities, sidewalks, street surface, curbs, lighting and pedestrian ramps.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Other such discrimination is more covert.—
Alison Somin,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
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The hypoallergenic, 100-percent cotton fabric provides a breathable option for covert breastfeeding.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This is the place to organize unforgettable outdoor adventures, from fishing trips and private charter boat excursions to guided jaunts on a traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
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The majority of voters want the city to contract with the county or a private entity to provide inspector general services as needed.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstairs. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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