covert

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word covert distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of covert are clandestine, furtive, secret, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When could clandestine be used to replace covert?

The meanings of clandestine and covert largely overlap; however, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

Where would furtive be a reasonable alternative to covert?

The words furtive and covert can be used in similar contexts, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is secret a more appropriate choice than covert?

While in some cases nearly identical to covert, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of covert?

The words stealthy and covert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

In what contexts can surreptitious take the place of covert?

In some situations, the words surreptitious and covert are roughly equivalent. However, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When might underhanded be a better fit than covert?

While the synonyms underhanded and covert are close in meaning, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

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 covert
Adjective
Nothing like this had been attempted in 25 years, and Range’s Micelli termed it a third revolution, harkening to a couple of covert formations that transformed the rep business. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 May 2025 The more covert plan is to nurture a group of Ghor rebels, whose actions might be destructive in a predictable and exploitable way. Noel Murray, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
The show clocks in at under a half hour, focuses on Mando, Grogu, and Bo-Katan in their new home with the Armorer and her covert, and is largely a collection of action set pieces. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2023 The main plot involves Ragnar, the kid whose helmet ceremony was interrupted in the season’s opening scene, being abducted by a dragon that has been bedeviling the covert for a while. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for covert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covert
Adjective
  • Picture this: a luxurious, private oasis within the ship, complete with its own secluded decks, personalized butler service, and exclusive dining options that elevate your entire cruise experience.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • The group then drove to Chelsea, where Vasquez and other MS-13 members led the victim to a secluded area under the highway — where an MS-13 member hit the victim in the head with a rock, and another MS-13 member stabbed the victim with a machete.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Syria under Assad is believed to have operated an extensive clandestine nuclear program, which included an undeclared nuclear reactor built by North Korea in eastern Deir el-Zour province.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 June 2025
  • The only way to pre-empt detection by these IAEA watchdogs would be for Ukraine to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and expel the atomic inspectors, but those moves would amount to trumpeting Kyiv’s clandestine quest to develop a nuclear warhead.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Up until the al-Qaeda forces discover their hideout, the action is contained to mundane activities: confirming operations, tracking other platoons’ movements.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
  • Based on a true story, a father and son in a warzone hospital face life-or-death choices as their hideout becomes increasingly compromised.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Though many California growers complained about Mexican imports, some of their peers had avocado groves or related businesses in Mexico too.
    Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • Best View There’s no bad view along this hike, but the perspective from the grove of Torrey Pines gives you a broad field of vision that takes in the grasslands, cliffs, and Pacific that stretches on for eternity.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those who yearn for a front seat to calm ocean vistas might consider staying in one of these remote cabins—hidden gems nestled right on Chile’s Pacific coast, near the village of Matanzas.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
  • While the fragrance-free shampoo is the brand’s signature, the fragranced version is an honest-to-god hidden gem.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • So is this mystery novel secretly the story of The Gilded Age and is this an undercover crossover?
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 6 June 2025
  • The missing money controlled by Velazquez was supposed to go toward undercover narcotics operations.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Kelly scooped at the firm snow, tiny icicles swaying from his white mustache, but couldn’t find a lair.
    Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
  • Lidia, however, is still stuck dwelling in the monster’s lair.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Behind its walls, workers make automotive and aerospace equipment, specializing in lightweight aluminum chassis parts and brake systems.
    David Pierson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Alpine Slide rode in sleds that had a brake and accelerate control stick.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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