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

under-the-counter

adjective

Definition of under-the-counter

as in under-the-table

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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-counter 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 Filtering your water If PFAS levels are concerning, consumers can purchase an under-the-counter water filter for their tap. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for under-the-counter

Adjective

In addition, enterprising souls would indubitably turn to open-source generative AI and enlist AI mental health support under-the-table and under-the-radar of such laws.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Mar. 2026
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

Definition of under-the-table

Adjective

Victims of the Lemonade breach said their information was used to apply for loans, access retirement accounts and make unauthorized credit card charges.

— Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Those ascents have largely been unauthorized, but actor and musician Jared Leto was allowed to climb up to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor in 2023 to promote a tour.

— Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

The same report alleged that welders were unlicensed and gas machines were used without proper ventilation.

— Chris Quintana, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Years after unlicensed plumbing and electrical work wrapped up at SouthPark Swim & Tennis Club, the private south Charlotte club is still working to fix it.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

Definition of unlicensed

Browse Nearby Words

undertakings

under-the-counter

under the influence

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Style

“Under-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/under-the-counter. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of under-the-counter

adjective

Example Sentences

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