COVERT Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'covert' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of covert are clandestine , furtive , secret , stealthy , surreptitious , and underhanded . While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared. // covert intelligence operations

Q: When could 'clandestine' be used to replace 'covert'?

The meanings of clandestine and covert largely overlap; however, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered. // a clandestine meeting of conspirators

Q: Where would 'furtive' be a reasonable alternative to 'covert'?

The words furtive and covert can be used in similar contexts, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness. // lovers exchanging furtive glances

Q: When is 'secret' a more appropriate choice than 'covert'?

While in some cases nearly identical to covert , secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive. // met at a secret location

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stealthy' instead of 'covert'?

The words stealthy and covert 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

Q: In what contexts can 'surreptitious' take the place of 'covert'?

In some situations, the words surreptitious and covert are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: When might 'underhanded' be a better fit than 'covert'?

While the synonyms underhanded and covert are close in meaning, underhanded stresses fraud or deception. // an underhanded trick

covert 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkō-(ˌ)vərt

Definition of covert next

as in secluded

screened or sequestered from view a covert little hideaway that provides a lot of privacy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a covert operation to provide aid to the rebels

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

covert

2 of 2

noun

ˈkə-vərt

as in hideout

a place where a person goes to hide or to avoid others set up a covert from which to watch wildlife without being detected

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as in grove

a thick patch of shrubbery, small trees, or underbrush the rabbit rushed to the safety of the nearest covert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word covert distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of covert are clandestine, furtive, secret, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When could clandestine be used to replace covert?

The meanings of clandestine and covert largely overlap; however, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

Where would furtive be a reasonable alternative to covert?

The words furtive and covert can be used in similar contexts, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is secret a more appropriate choice than covert?

While in some cases nearly identical to covert, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of covert?

The words stealthy and covert 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

In what contexts can surreptitious take the place of covert?

In some situations, the words surreptitious and covert are roughly equivalent. However, 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 might underhanded be a better fit than covert?

While the synonyms underhanded and covert are close in meaning, 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 covert

Adjective

Truist details allegations against former bank executives Truist’s complaint paints a picture of betrayal and covert meetings preceding the exodus. —

Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026 Their exchange, which took place in 2022 after Yoon’s election, was recorded on a covert camera in the pastor’s wristwatch. —

Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026

Noun

Renaissance alchemists kept their work covert, and few alchemical recipes have survived to modern times. —

Cnn, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024 But keeping the commercial covert was especially challenging after his wife, Martel Thompson Hale — who is a makeup artist — worked with him on the ad. —

Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for covert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covert

Adjective

Willingham returned from lunch, then went from his secluded office to the locked evidence room, which he was not authorized to enter, multiple sources with knowledge of the events told CNN.

— Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
For a few years now, Jonah McDonald, the naturalist for DeKalb County’s parks, has maintained several trail cameras in a secluded wetland at Mason Mill Park in Decatur.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 7 Feb. 2026

Definition of secluded

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covers (up)

covert

covertly

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“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of covert

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