covertly

Definition of covertlynext

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 covertly That could mean tightening sanctions on remaining power brokers, expanding strikes against security installations and militias, covertly supporting insurgent factions, and using Maduro’s prospective trial as a global stage on which to delegitimize Chavismo once and for all. Robert Muggah, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 That could mean tightening sanctions on remaining power brokers, expanding strikes against security installations and militias, covertly supporting insurgent factions, and using Maduro’s prospective trial as a global stage on which to delegitimize Chavismo once and for all. Robert Muggah, The Conversation, 4 Jan. 2026 The lawsuit claims that Drake, Ross, and Nguyen used the feature to covertly transfer gambling proceeds. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 2 Jan. 2026 Russian personnel with links to the country’s military and security services have engaged in spying in European waters while working covertly on ships carrying Russian oil, Western and Ukrainian intelligence sources exclusively told CNN. Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025 Great powers also intervene in other countries’ politics, covertly and overtly, sometimes violently. Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2025 Defence journalist Paul Iddon notes in his article for Forbes that since the 1980s, Tehran has produced unlicensed versions of American systems inherited from the Shah-era arsenal, acquired covertly, or captured on the battlefield. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025 Common spiking drugs including Rohypnol, also known as roofies, GHB, and Ketamine can be covertly placed in drinks causing disorientation, confusion, even temporary paralysis and unconsciousness in those who have been drugged. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 26 Nov. 2025 During these drills, Chinese submarines may covertly deploy sea mines at the entrances to Taiwan’s key ports and energy terminals. Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covertly
Adverb
  • Panahi has spent most of his career making films clandestinely, without approval of authorities, and was until recently banned from leaving the country.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The original cover disappeared — in fact, was kept and sold clandestinely by a CBS executive for around $25,000 and later re-sold by Anonymous for over $250,000.
    David Zane Mairowitz, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2025
Adverb
  • That Hanson so could faithfully and conspiratorially convey that in her naturalistic, uncontrived images came from a place of friendship.
    Mark Holgate, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Fox said the exchange between him and Wasser when he was called back to the restaurant took about 10-12 seconds, but defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo suggested on Monday that the pair may have surreptitiously searched the backpack at that time and found the gun — or potentially planted it.
    Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
  • In a way, I am being surreptitiously employed by the owner for two minutes.
    Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 9 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Covertly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covertly. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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