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

under-the-counter

adjective

Definition of under-the-counter

as in under-the-table

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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

The produce company alleges in a civil lawsuit that Brian Thure spent company money on unauthorized purchases, including multiple homes and an endowment at the University of California, Berkeley, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

— James Powel, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
The island is reportedly subject to a no-fly zone during the stays of members of the royal family or high-ranking officials, preventing any drones from taking unauthorized photos of the Windsors’ family vacations.

— Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

Last week, the state of New York sued Kalshi to stop it from operating in the state, arguing that the platform constitutes unlicensed gambling.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
The unlicensed doctor who runs the clinic, Luis Rojas Cabrera, was arrested for practicing without a license and reckless endangerment.

— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of unlicensed

Browse Nearby Words

undertakings

under-the-counter

under the influence

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“Under-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/under-the-counter. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of under-the-counter

adjective

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