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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Domestic law enforcement remains particularly vigilant for Iranian sleeper cells, lone actors and clandestine operatives living in our cities and towns under the radar.—
Rick Pozniak,
Boston Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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In the last year, Mexican troops have been deployed across the country to quell narco-violence, arresting legions of cartel operatives, seizing tons of illicit drugs and busting hundreds of clandestine laboratories.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The story follows a young girl, Mabel, who can transfer her mind into a robot beaver with the goal of going undercover in the animal kingdom.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 2026
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Investigators are using tools ranging from electronic surveillance — which includes the internet — undercover operations and informants to monitor any potential threat of attack from terrorist groups Hezbollah, al Qaeda, and ISIS.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 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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View gallery - 3 images Over the last few years, an ambitious moonshot project spun out of Google has been developing fascinating technologies to deliver connectivity across communities without the need for underground cables.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
28 Feb. 2026
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The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management is building an underground vault with a park on top to improve stormwater management, enhance drainage, and reduce flooding and sewer overflow that have historically affected the area.—
Drew Kann,
AJC.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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BlueWhale was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to support the German Navy in unmanned antisubmarine warfare and covert maritime operations.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
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Clark is accused of setting up a covert video-recording device, disguised in a ballpoint pen, in the bathroom of a residence, using it to capture intimate footage of people, including minors, according to the case affidavit of probable cause.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The private credit specialist will instead switch to periodic payouts funded by asset sales, earnings and other strategic deals.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
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Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa is designed to attract private investment in clean energy across the continent.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstairs. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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