UNDER-THE-COUNTER Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

under-the-counter

adjective

Definition of under-the-counter

as in under-the-table

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 under-the-counter Behind the bar, crammed into a small station barely wide enough for one person, were two rice cookers, a combination oven, an induction burner and an under-the-counter fridge. — Priya Krishna, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 By night, his father would lend him his binoculars to spy on women through their windows, filling in any gaps in his anatomical understanding with whatever under-the-counter girly magazines had managed to wiggle through Italy’s draconian censorship. — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2024 Filtering your water If PFAS levels are concerning, consumers can purchase an under-the-counter water filter for their tap. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for under-the-counter

Adjective

The Timberwolves were punished so drastically because all sides put the under-the-table arrangement in writing, making the evidence clear.

— Eric Nehm, New York Times, 16 July 2026
In addition, enterprising souls would indubitably turn to open-source generative AI and enlist AI mental health support under-the-table and under-the-radar of such laws.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of under-the-table

Adjective

In response, approximately 25% of developers now design APIs with agents as the primary end consumer rather than humans, and over half of them cite unauthorized agent access as a security concern.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Hugging Face disclosed that investigators reconstructed more than 17,000 forensic events associated with the intrusion while confirming unauthorized access to certain internal systems and service credentials.

— Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

Patients who experience complications or suspect unlicensed practice can file a complaint with the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

— Carrie Teegardin, AJC.com, 29 July 2026
The property was also accused of violating multiple ordinances regarding prostitution, public nuisance, unlicensed sale of alcohol, unlicensed sale of cannabis, and unlawful use or possession of a firearm.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Definition of unlicensed

Browse Nearby Words

undertakings

under-the-counter

under the influence

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Under-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/under-the-counter. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of under-the-counter

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes