Definition of covertnext

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
The film follows cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), who lifts secret files about the existence of aliens from Wardex, a covert non-government organization that used to employ him. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 The investigation also linked the activity to China based on IP addresses associated with a LinkedIn account and a Gmail account tied to the covert recruitment scheme. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 June 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 See All Example Sentences for covert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covert
Adjective
  • This secluded island located just across the sound from popular Hilton Head has been hiding in plain sight for years.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
  • Out back, a secluded courtyard and soaking pool await.
    Sierra Vandervort, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some may be announced publicly; others may happen in more clandestine ways.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026
  • But clandestine flows aren’t the biggest factor behind the market calm.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • One&Only One Za’abeel is the brand’s first foray into urban resorts, swapping sand for a skyscraper vibe—and more city hideouts are on the cards.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026
  • Tree will remain standing Sherwood Forest, near Nottingham, in central England, is the traditional hideout of Robin Hood, a legendary outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor, while living in the forest to evade his nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham.
    Sam Peters, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Set between Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica and surrounded by silvery olive groves, the Masseria Silentio is a former Masseriola, or rural farmhouse, dating back to the 18th century.
    Lucrezia Worthington, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 June 2026
  • The park preserves two groves of giant sequoias along with forest trails, picnic areas and summer camping options.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the evening, Banff’s newest late-night spot, The Dusty Boot Saloon, channels cowboy country motifs through nostalgic saloon energy and a lively dance hall, stage for live music and hidden lounges.
    Kristin Braswell, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Further investigation determined that the videos came from a hidden camera installed in one of the church's changing rooms and bathrooms.
    Ronn Blitzer , Tessa Hoyos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to his plea agreement with prosecutors, Doyle sold a Glock pistol to an undercover informant on May 20, 2025 — part of a series of transactions on Chicago’s South Side that led to his arrest on July 7, 2025, a few days after the shooting at his daughter’s party.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Whether openly or undercover, MSV doesn’t just fail shareholders.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • But what was more notable was that the sandwich shop had a portal to a wizard's lair, which is where the Russo kids trained to become the only standing wizard family.
    Christian Holub, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026
  • On yet another stage, a set acting as a Detroit basement is decorated with bathtubs and grimy plastic curtains made to look like the lair of a vampire group called the Fang Gang.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Now officials are urging residents to trim any unruly bushes or hedges that may impact traffic or sidewalks.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
  • But over the nearly one-and-a-half years since the 2025 mega-fires, native and invasive grasses, bushes and trees have begun to regrow, weaving flammable greenery across the landscape.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on covert

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster