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

under-the-table

adjective

Definition of under-the-table

as in under-the-counter

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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-table Zumba allegedly asked whether the spouse would be willing to issue real, but unauthorized, ID cards for an under-the-table payment. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026 But while that under-the-table approach by Israel towards Hamas came crashing down with the October 7, 2023 attacks, concern still lingers in Ramallah, the headquarters of the PA , that the new technocratic committee could be another way to divide Palestinians by creating rival centers of power. — Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026 In the meantime, many engage in under-the-table, unreliable work. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2025 The truth is, under the old system, plenty of elite players were there only for the under-the-table cash. — Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for under-the-table

Recent Examples of Synonyms for under-the-table

Adjective

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

Definition of under-the-counter

Adjective

But Massie and other lawmakers cited the potentially politically awkward vote, which would impeach Hegseth over unauthorized military actions in Iran, as the reason.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Comparing unauthorized immigration to an invasion has become increasingly common among politicians including Nigel Farage of Reform UK, and far-right groups that have been active in organizing and attending anti-immigrant protests.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

Companies have dealt with shadow IT for years, with employees, contractors and other workers using unsanctioned software to get their jobs done.

— David Matalon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
The unsanctioned parades of cars decked out in Mexican flags have previously led to major traffic jams and impasses for emergency vehicles.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of unsanctioned

Adjective

In Virginia’s Franklin County, Henry Law made the switch from illicit moonshine production to commercial sales.

— Cole Reynolds, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026
Johnny’s undercover mission leads to an unexpected bromance as he gets drawn into his target’s world of illicit thrills.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of illicit

Adjective

Carts allegedly operating as black-market, private-hire vehicles can be banned from the streets for over a month, or drivers slapped with 4,000-euro ($4,600) fines for unlicensed tour guiding.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
The unlicensed recovery center underworld ranges from places that pamper patients with space and very personal care by licensed medical professionals to places that cram patients into spaces minded by people with limited or no medical training.

— DAVID J. NEAL, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of unlicensed

Adjective

Initially arrested and charged in connection with Houston’s death in fall 2025, Franklin has also been charged in two additional criminal incidents.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 Sep. 2026
The probe echoes investigations into the deaths of actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller, both of which resulted in criminal charges for their respective drug suppliers.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of criminal

Adjective

Members of the board questioned the Menendez brothers during their hearing last year about violating prison rules, including using contraband cellphones.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Prior contraband attempts involved the launch of a drone from the dead end of Noe Street, just east of the facility, deputies said.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of contraband

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“Under-the-table.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/under-the-table. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of under-the-table

adjective

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Synonyms of under-the-table

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to under-the-table

The Over and Under of It

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

churlish

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Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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Popular in Wordplay

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