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
Aside from precision drone strikes carried out by covert operatives inside Iran, Israel is mainly relying on airpower to achieve its objectives, which is unsurprising given the distance between the two countries. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 Both in covert missions under the cover of darkness and right out in the open, Oakmont’s trees all came down. Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 14 June 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
  • Nestled on the coasts of Islamorada, a village in the Florida Keys, are a series of secluded beaches that attract saltwater fishermen from all over the world.
    Kara Franker, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
  • The secluded property spans nearly 13,000 square feet of both inside and outdoor space where guests can post up by the pool, lounge in covered cabanas, or nosh on authentic Caribbean spreads fusing African, West Indian, and European cuisine.
    Karla Pope, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Square, from South Korean director Bo-Sol Kim, which blends political commentary with experimental animation in its story of a Swedish diplomat in Pyongyang who begins a clandestine affair with a local traffic officer, took the jury prize of the Contrechamps section.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
  • During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alcala — without school authorization — took wrestling mats from El Modena, had the wrestling team load them into a U-Haul truck, and then took them to a warehouse for clandestine practices, Plaintiff Two said.
    Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Sipping sundowners at the glamorous beach clubs that propagate the sandy shores and cliffside hideouts along the French Riviera really shouldn’t take much convincing, but with so many charming seaside cities and villages to explore, deciding where to stay can be a challenge.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 June 2025
  • One of South County’s most exclusive hideouts, the Elwood Club at Pendry Newport Beach, is about to commit a rare feat of hospitality: briefly flinging open the doors of its restaurant, Viamara, to us common folk.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Tour the goods on this 6.5-mile lollipop loop from the main trailhead to the upper grove.
    Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 4 June 2025
  • The film ends with a time-jump that shows Roz working in a human fruit grove, having reintegrated back into society.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their local store is still called a 'hidden gem' Long-vacant CT nursing home site planned for 160 apartments.
    Aaron Flaum, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
  • Water Bottle Cleaning & Maintenance Bacteria build-up is a real issue, especially with straws, valves, and lids with hidden parts, so Razgaitis suggests avoiding overly complicated and hard-to-clean bottles.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sarli did, however, recently post about the ordeal on TikTok, so her viral video and media attention might expose their undercover rendezvous to the bride and groom.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Another investigator used an undercover profile to contact Slusher as others worked to identify him, deputies said.
    Kate Linderman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Times reporters got inside the lair of a Sudanese Army sniper, in a once-luxurious riverside building in Khartoum.
    Natasha Frost, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Fitting for an actor, the house hides a cinematic lair.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • This would deliver a damaging blow to an already fragile Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which has for decades served as a crucial brake on the spread of nuclear weapons.
    VIPIN NARANG, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Investors haven't slammed the brakes on all stocks in the solar energy sector, with shares of solar panel makers First Solar and Toyo taking less damage.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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