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

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 surreptitious In the evenings, Vincent embarks on a surreptitious love affair with Arthur, a soldier on leave — who's also the son of Vincent's governess. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 May 2025 There’s nothing surreptitious about my administration. Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025 Reporters from around the country followed the case, which marked the first time ever that prosecutors would play for a jury a surreptitious FBI recording of mob soldiers taking the oath of omerta during a mafia initiation ceremony. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025 The first surreptitious shots of Robbie in costume, however, lit up the internet anew. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surreptitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surreptitious
Adjective
  • What’s being communicated in this clandestine network of underground messaging?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a lead character’s creeping paranoia, a plot driven by nefarious and clandestine powers that be, the encroachment of the past on the present.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This model protects against allergens like pollen and pet dander, smoke, dust, and does it all from a place of covert, inoffensive design.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The detectives’ new case takes them to a remote Arctic research station, where a member of a covert British special forces mission has been shot dead.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts.
    Mehera Bonner, Marie Claire, 15 Mar. 2017
Adjective
  • One person Smith communicated with was an undercover FBI agent, according to prosecutors.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly 10 years after his demise, Holliday decides to go undercover as Powers to try and get a second chance with a struggling college team at South Georgia.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Oulonger 12-Pack Solar Landscape Lights Outdoor lighting that requires digging and underground wiring is so not worth the time and effort.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The film, which premiered at the New York Film Festival, explores youth, class and identity through the lens of Medellín’s underground music scene.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The house sits on the edge of the Baka neighborhood, known for its leafy streets, upscale residences and lush, private gardens.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The development will include private parking for residents of the building along with 94 public parking spaces.
    Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The package includes free breakfast for your plus-one (no more sneaking snacks away from the conference), a signature drink each night (perfect for unwinding after your workday ends), and 1,000 bonus IHG One Rewards points.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surreptitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surreptitious. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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