HOLE-AND-CORNER Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

hole-and-corner

adjective

ˈhōl-ən(d)-ˈkȯr-nər

Definition of hole-and-corner

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a hole-and-corner antiterrorist operation whose very existence has been steadfastly denied by the government

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for hole-and-corner

Adjective

Facing a massive defense budget shortfall, Ukraine has not been able to cash in on the millions of dollars earned by its clandestine adult-content industry.

— Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
And so, at first light, when firefighters had won the day and the smoke cleared to reveal the ostrich flock still standing, the sight didn’t lead to any reconsideration of the night’s theories of clandestine slaughter.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of clandestine

Adjective

The property also comes with planning permission for another 10,000 square feet, including additional living space, staff quarters, and underground parking for up to 17 cars.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of underground

Adjective

The products arrive amid lawsuits over covert recordings, concerns about AI safety and political pressure for greater oversight of rapidly advancing technology.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Future Nyota hasn’t let this new, semi-covert relationship distract her from her job, however.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of covert

Adjective

The growing fear in the community and rumors of undercover ICE agents in churches and church parking lots in other areas of the country has lead pastors to make major changes to their programming.

— Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Murphy’s gang weren’t really outlaws to begin with — he was imprisoned for defending his daughter from some undercover cops, while Singh (Avi Nash) was arrested for his associations with socialism.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of undercover

Adjective

The Aries Full Moon illuminates your private 12th house, bringing an old emotion, habit, memory, or attachment closer to the surface.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
For a special occasion, reserve a sunset or moonlit dinner in one of four private cabanas on the sand.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of private

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.

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hole

hole-and-corner

holed

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“Hole-and-corner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hole-and-corner. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hole-and-corner

adjective

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