Definition of stealthynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stealthy distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stealthy are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

When is it sensible to use clandestine instead of stealthy?

The words clandestine and stealthy can be used in similar contexts, 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

When might covert be a better fit than stealthy?

The meanings of covert and stealthy largely overlap; however, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When could furtive be used to replace stealthy?

In some situations, the words furtive and stealthy are roughly equivalent. However, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When can secret be used instead of stealthy?

Although the words secret and stealthy have much in common, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When is surreptitious a more appropriate choice than stealthy?

The synonyms surreptitious and stealthy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 underhanded be a good substitute for stealthy?

The words underhanded and stealthy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 stealthy Christie’s is also increasingly reliant on these stealthy transactions. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 The seamless integration of old and new feels stealthy, and a touch subversive, a doubling-down on the museum’s approach to time as nonlinear, sinuous and delightfully slippery. Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Despite its stealthy existence, these spuds are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow. Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026 Hikers are swapping bug-like, oversized shades for stealthier styles that look like something out of The Matrix. Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stealthy
Adjective
  • The company is also developing Blood Aces, which will see Stallone and Yellowstone star Cole Hauser team to produce, with Hauser attached to star as shady casino operator Benny Binion.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 May 2026
  • Mahonia is an evergreen shrub with intricate leaf texture that infuses movement into shady spaces.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • But in the current political climate, clandestine behaviors could win out.
    Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
  • These relations are not based on secrecy or clandestine arrangements.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Right now, everyone’s going for a casual collarbone bob, and what some might consider boring is actually full of sneaky appeal and versatility.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
  • Worn shoes are a sneaky culprit behind foot pain and even pain that might seem unrelated to your feet.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 15 May 2026
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
  • That’s where Klaus Mann (August Diehl), Thomas’ homosexual Communist son, would end up taking his own life, but a furtive phone call between twin brother and sister reveals both their closeness as well as the fractures in a broken family dynamic.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
  • Some with furtive glances, some outright staring.
    Ben Mezrich, Vanity Fair, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Amarteifio and Edebiri have an understated chemistry that makes the covert passion between these two women believable.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • These UUVs are becoming increasingly capable of autonomous operations and performing adaptive search patterns enabling wide area covert operations.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Davis occasionally destabilizes this very familiar soundtrack with sly production tricks from Horne.
    Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Elsewhere, Brad Oscar’s Mayor Menlove — memorably played on the series by Alan Cumming — brings warmth and sly humor to the role, while Ann Harada smoothly reprises her TV performance as Florence Menlove.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Gaff reportedly obliged, providing the undercover detectives with a sample that was subsequently sent through the federal database CODIS, where investigators ultimately linked him to Weaver's murder.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • Essayli on Monday confirmed that Armstrong became known to the DOJ after an undercover video was posted online by James O'Keefe, the founder of conservative nonprofit Project Veritas.
    Austin Turner, CBS News, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stealthy. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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