Synonyms of secretly

secretly

adverb

as in privately

in a manner intended to prevent knowledge or awareness by others

the girl secretly told her friends about the birthday party so it would be a surprise to the birthday girl

Synonyms & Similar Words

• privately
• confidentially
• in private
• intimately
• backstage
• in camera
• covertly
• clandestinely
• inwardly
• à deux
• tête-à-tête
• surreptitiously
• furtively
• secretively
• stealthily
• sneakily
• conspiratorially
• collusively
• underhandedly
• sotto voce
• undercover
• underground
• offstage
• offscreen
• underhanded
• underhand

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• publicly
• openly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of secretly

The drama The Housewife centers around a New York Times journalist who tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in Queens. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Rogan suggested that his guest should hurry up with Iran-war negotiations and get on with the real business of the government, such as finding out whether the government is secretly hoarding extraterrestrial corpses. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

This secretly spacious model features an adjustable strap in a choice of colors and patterns. — Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026

Or, sometimes, the company is secretly an international blackmail ring posing as a reputable company. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026

However, Carolina Forward, a progressive policy organization, alleged on social media that three school board candidates, including Albright, were secretly affiliated with Mecklenburg Republicans and Moms for Liberty. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

As the widow struggles with depression, her son secretly rescues and cares for an injured goat deep within the tropical rainforest. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 13 July 2026

Records showing the Cuban government has secretly stockpiled cash as people on the island cook their food over firewood has only deepened the sentiment that the government in Havana must go. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026

Others were designed to be convincing — blurry, pixelated images that looked as though they had been secretly captured inside. — ABC News, 11 July 2026