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 Confronted with larger workloads and a shrinking headcount, AI — both the kind officially approved by companies and more surreptitious uses — has made its way via support staff into essential Hollywood workflows, including the creative development process. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 Welcome to the era of surreptitious seafood, an industry gamble that overcoming Americans’ relative disinterest in the meat of the sea is all a matter of making fish look and taste less like, well, fish. —J.m. Hirsch, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 The filmmakers and inmates carried out this investigation in secret, through anonymous phone calls and surreptitious recordings, ultimately revealing systemic rot inside a sadistic prison system. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026 None was required for that surreptitious exchange– two dollars for a warm burrito neatly wrapped. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026 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
  • 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
Definition of clandestine
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
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
  • 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
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • Archaeologists then debated whether the tunnel was some kind of underground agricultural or industrial installation, but its scale and uniqueness in the region ruled out that possibility.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
  • Having been filtered through porous underground lava for decades, Silfra boasts exceptionally pure drinking water.
    — Carinne Geil Botta, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
Definition of underground
Adjective
  • Over time, Raúl did enact reforms – though not democratic ones – such as expanding small-scale private businesses.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • While the simple Deluxe Room is ideal for a quick overnight trip, guests looking for a longer stay should spread out in the Junior Suite with Living & Dining Area, which opens onto a semi-private stone patio with a bocce court and a firepit in the warmer months.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Definition of private
Adjective
  • Contributor Yelena Alpert has a sneaking suspicion that these Frette slippers will last a lifetime, attributing her hypothesis to the shoe’s superior quality.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
  • 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 23 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on surreptitious

Nglish: Translation of surreptitious for Spanish Speakers

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