Synonyms of covert

covert 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkō-(ˌ)vərt 

1

as in secluded

screened or sequestered from view

a covert little hideaway that provides a lot of privacy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• secluded
• hidden
• sheltered
• secret
• isolated
• private
• remote
• quiet
• retired
• lone
• cloistered
• lonely
• solitary
• reclusive
• lonesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• visible
• obvious
• exposed

2

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others

a covert operation to provide aid to the rebels

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clandestine
• undercover
• sneak
• underground
• private
• sneaking
• surreptitious
• stealth
• secret
• furtive
• stealthy
• sneaky
• underhanded
• underhand
• behind-the-scenes
• hole-and-corner
• undisclosed
• privy
• backstairs
• hush-hush
• off-the-books
• confidential
• hidden
• hugger-mugger
• classified
• secreted
• closed-door
• off-the-record
• concealed
• restricted
• back-channel
• subterranean
• top secret
• unexposed
• unadvertised

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• overt
• public
• open
• avowed
• acknowledged
• straightforward
• unclassified
• unrestricted
• obvious
• evident
• manifest
• undisguised
• clear
• plain
• unconcealed
• aboveboard
• patent

covert

2 of 2

noun

ˈkə-vərt 

1

as in hideout

a place where a person goes to hide or to avoid others

set up a covert from which to watch wildlife without being detected

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hideout
• lair
• concealment
• nest
• hideaway
• den
• hidey-hole
• hermitage
• refuge
• shelter
• blind
• nook
• haunt
• retreat
• cover
• harbor
• hangout
• recess
• haven
• redoubt
• harborage

2

as in grove

a thick patch of shrubbery, small trees, or underbrush

the rabbit rushed to the safety of the nearest covert

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grove
• bush
• brake
• chaparral
• forest
• copse
• thicket
• brushwood
• coppice
• jungle
• tangle
• bosk
• brush
• wood
• boscage
• scrub
• woodland
• hedge
• bosquet
• stand
• bramble
• canebrake
• scrubland
• woodlot
• greenwood
• wildwood

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

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

Recent Examples of covert

Adjective

In June 2025, Israel conducted covert drone operations deep inside Iran, in concert with airstrikes on Iranian missile and military infrastructure. —Gregory F. Treverton, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026

Regime change on the cheap—by covert action, military coup, airpower, or short ground war—has tempted almost every American president since World War II. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

Noun

Renaissance alchemists kept their work covert, and few alchemical recipes have survived to modern times. —Cnn, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024

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