Meaning & use

surreptitiously

adverb·Advanced

Last updated

In a way that is secretive or done without others noticing, often because it is not allowed.

See it in a sentence

She surreptitiously checked her phone under the table during the meeting.

He surreptitiously slipped the note into her bag before leaving.

A note on using this word

Surreptitiously implies a small, quick act of concealment, often mildly forbidden, rather than large-scale secrecy.

Words with a similar meaning

secretlystealthily

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

openlyovertly

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