surreptitious

adjective

ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs How to pronounce surreptitious (audio)
Definition of surreptitiousnext
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a private investigator adept at taking surreptitious pictures of adulterous couples

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word surreptitious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of surreptitious are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, stealthy, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," 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 clandestine be a good substitute for surreptitious?

The synonyms clandestine and surreptitious are sometimes interchangeable, 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

In what contexts can covert take the place of surreptitious?

While the synonyms covert and surreptitious are close in meaning, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When might furtive be a better fit than surreptitious?

While in some cases nearly identical to surreptitious, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

Where would secret be a reasonable alternative to surreptitious?

The meanings of secret and surreptitious largely overlap; however, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When could stealthy be used to replace surreptitious?

The words stealthy and surreptitious 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

When is underhanded a more appropriate choice than surreptitious?

The words underhanded and surreptitious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 surreptitious Haeckel’s Italian trip was part of a surreptitious alternate life plan. —Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 The Trump administration intensified its scrutiny of Chinese nationals studying at U.S. universities in May following several instances of students allegedly engaging in surreptitious activity, including espionage. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025 The notion of a man of Ballmer’s wealth — $153 billion; most in professional sports and top 10 on the planet — being able to procure and retain elite talent through surreptitious ways is the worst nightmare for fans of the league’s other 29 teams. —Sam Amick, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 When one fan posted a surreptitious photo of Sudeikis and Hunt hanging out at a bar, commenters warned them to not share the location. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surreptitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surreptitious
  1. clandestine
  2. covert
  3. sneak
  4. undercover
  5. underground
  6. private
  7. sneaking
Adjective
  • Ortiz said Rodríguez Torres went further by overseeing the creation of clandestine detention facilities.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Yes, its signage and entryway are on the clandestine side.
    — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • This covert expansion of sports betting is controversial.
    — Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The company says they can also be used for covert operations, intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance operations.
    — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of covert
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
Definition of sneak
Adjective
  • The No Secret Police Act banned local law enforcement officers, officers from other states and federal law enforcement personnel from wearing masks except in specific circumstances — such as in tactical, SWAT or undercover operations.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The law, Senate Bill 627, had prohibited local and federal ICE officers from wearing masks except for undercover work or health reasons.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • These caverns under sidewalks could be used for storage, and circular pieces of thick glass in the sidewalk added natural light to these eerie underground chambers.
    — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The latter houses the cryogenically frozen employees of Vault-Tec, a corporation that made a lot of money out of underground bunkers before the Great War.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of underground
Adjective
  • At first, video footage of the potential suspect wasn't available under Guthrie's subscription plan, but it was recovered by authorities and private-sector partners.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The designation would mean no change for the hundreds of private property owners in the zone.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of private
Adjective
  • The package includes free breakfast for your plus-one (no more sneaking snacks away from the conference), a signature drink each night (perfect for unwinding after your workday ends), and 1,000 bonus IHG One Rewards points.
    — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of sneaking

Browse Nearby Words

surrender (to)
surreptitious
surreptitiously
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Cite this Entry

“Surreptitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surreptitious. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on surreptitious

Nglish: Translation of surreptitious for Spanish Speakers

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