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
Starring Susana Abaitua, Andrés Gertrúdix and Iraia Elias,, Díaz Yanes’ feature dramatizes Spain’s largest covert Civil Guard operation against ETA in the 1990s–2000s. Callum McLennan, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 Coker, Robb & Cannon emphasize that building a case based on legal methods will be taken more seriously in court than using covert surveillance. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 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
  • But on this day, on a secluded lake in France, Gilman had tied for first place in the barefoot jump, reaching a distance of 8 1⁄2 meters (or roughly 28 feet).
    Barbie Porter, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Slow it down and escape for the afternoon at the Red Lane® Spa or take a leisurely walk along a two-mile stretch of calm, secluded shoreline at Sandals South Coast.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a First World War U-boat that somehow glides from underneath Lake Michigan all the way to Croatia, commandeered by its captain, post-Armistice, for new and clandestine uses.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Co-created by The New York Times bestselling author Carr and season 1 creator and showrunner David DiGilio, Dark Wolf follows Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) on his journey from the SEALs to the clandestine side of CIA special operations.
    Susan Young, PEOPLE, 11 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
  • In 1979, five months after my seventh birthday, my father crashed his plane into an orange grove and died.
    Jon Michael Varese, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The property has a 1,600-square-foot garage/workshop equipped with power and water for the hobbyist or car collector, and a citrus grove with Satsuma mandarins, oranges, limes and lemons.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mercury entering Scorpio on the 6th helps uncover hidden truths, while the Full Moon in Aries illuminates your career and public image and invites the release of outdated expectations.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The participants range from Hayward classics to newcomers and hidden gems.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One person Smith communicated with was an undercover FBI agent, according to prosecutors.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly 10 years after his demise, Holliday decides to go undercover as Powers to try and get a second chance with a struggling college team at South Georgia.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even diligent Webberheads will need to overlook certain gaffes, like a hero who seems to have tied himself up in a climactic moment and a Stygian lair well marked with glowing Exit signs.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In the Henchmen's Heist room, participants have been hired by a super villain to break into a high security superhero lair and steal valuable assets before the hero returns.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 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, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The driver also brake-checked the officer, but the officer managed to avoid crashing into the back of the Buick, according to police.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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