Synonyms of surreptitious

surreptitious

adjective

ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs 

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others

a private investigator adept at taking surreptitious pictures of adulterous couples

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clandestine
• covert
• sneak
• undercover
• underground
• private
• sneaking
• stealth
• furtive
• sneaky
• stealthy
• secret
• underhanded
• behind-the-scenes
• underhand
• hole-and-corner
• privy
• backstairs
• undisclosed
• hush-hush
• confidential
• hugger-mugger
• off-the-record
• closed-door
• off-the-books
• hidden
• restricted
• classified
• secreted
• concealed
• subterranean
• back-channel
• top secret
• unexposed
• unadvertised

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• overt
• open
• avowed
• acknowledged
• straightforward
• unrestricted
• obvious
• unclassified
• undisguised
• unconcealed
• evident
• clear
• manifest
• plain
• aboveboard
• patent

Synonym Chooser

How is the word surreptitious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of surreptitious are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, stealthy, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," 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 would clandestine be a good substitute for surreptitious?

The synonyms clandestine and surreptitious are sometimes interchangeable, but clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

In what contexts can covert take the place of surreptitious?

While the synonyms covert and surreptitious are close in meaning, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When might furtive be a better fit than surreptitious?

While in some cases nearly identical to surreptitious, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

Where would secret be a reasonable alternative to surreptitious?

The meanings of secret and surreptitious largely overlap; however, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When could stealthy be used to replace surreptitious?

The words stealthy and surreptitious 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

When is underhanded a more appropriate choice than surreptitious?

The words underhanded and surreptitious can be used in similar contexts, but underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of surreptitious

Over the following 12 days, investigators determined that Lulinski had used his cell phone on multiple occasions to take inappropriate and surreptitious photos or videos of minors during normal school activities. — Cbs Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Remember, this is Augusta National, where the surreptitious use of a cellphone is grounds for immediate banishment. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Confronted with larger workloads and a shrinking headcount, AI — both the kind officially approved by companies and more surreptitious uses — has made its way via support staff into essential Hollywood workflows, including the creative development process. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026

Welcome to the era of surreptitious seafood, an industry gamble that overcoming Americans’ relative disinterest in the meat of the sea is all a matter of making fish look and taste less like, well, fish. — J.m. Hirsch, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026