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
Woman of the Hour In her directorial debut, Anna Kendrick stars as aspiring actress Sheryl Bradshaw, who unknowingly crosses paths with a covert serial killer (Daniel Zovatto) while appearing on The Dating Game. Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 In the first decade of the twenty-first century, as Iran paused the AMAD plan, Syria rushed to build, and nearly completed, a covert nuclear weapons program. Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
But keeping the commercial covert was especially challenging after his wife, Martel Thompson Hale — who is a makeup artist — worked with him on the ad. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 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
  • Surrounded by rocky limestone cliffs, verdant rainforests and the emerald Andaman Sea, the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a secluded, 54-room temple to contemporary Thai design that is as beautiful as its backdrop.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Sunset and Ocean Isle beaches are favorites for families, while Caswell and Bald Head Island are more secluded and rich with wildlife.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Bundy family’s statement noted this and said their destination was not clandestine, as the FBI document alleged.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The result was the Commandos, who operated in clandestine raids behind the lines to harass the enemy with remarkable success.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • During the 1880s, the brothers lived here and made their livelihood rustling cattle and horses, while at the same time disposing of unsuspecting ranchers who wandered too close to their hideout.
    Patti Nickell, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
  • If this were true, Solomon would learn all of this elder’s secret hideouts and survival tricks, resulting in a formidable pair for any hunter to take on.
    Jim Tschetter, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Along the way, guests might watch kingfishers dart through palm groves, pause at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or step ashore to see traditional boat builders at work.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Wander through rose gardens, bamboo groves, an edible garden with more than 800 varieties of fruits and vegetables (nearly all of which is donated to local food banks), and a butterfly garden filled with species that attract other pollinators and hummingbirds.
    Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Adapting this chaos‑engineering philosophy through recovery drills, fault injection and regular testing exposes hidden dependencies and builds confidence.
    Mukul Garg, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • One is the character of the factory owner, Baek Joo-sang, who has a very dark, hidden side to him, but who is also considered a good boss and decent person by the people around him.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cameron Crowe researched what would become his debut script by going undercover as a high school student for a full year in what can only be described as a 21 Jump Street stunt.
    Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Further, this legislation is unnecessary if it is truly intended to apply to undercover officers.
    Charles Champion, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cheetah cubs spend their first two months hidden in a lair while their mother hunts.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Somehow this ineptly plotted affair lured Keke Palmer into its lair and her comedy chops all but gets handcuffed by an illogical, unfunny screenplay.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Even in spite of the ugly headlines early in the second quarter, many retirement savers didn't give in to panic and hit the brakes.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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