Backstairs — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈbak-ˌsterz/ back·stairs

Meaning & Definition of Backstairs

Backstairs (adjective)

  1. secret, furtive
  2. sordid, scandalous

Backstairs (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others

    "an influential Washington lobbyist who has been involved in a number of backstairs deals to limit regulation of financial institutions"

    similar: behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, secret, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealth, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded
    related: back-channel, closed-door, off-the-books, off-the-record, classified, confidential, restricted, top secret, undisclosed, concealed, hidden, secreted, subterranean, unadvertised, unexposed
    opposite: open, overt, public
    near: acknowledged, avowed, aboveboard, straightforward, unconcealed, undisguised, unclassified, unrestricted, clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Backstairs

The most common words with a similar meaning to Backstairs:

behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, secret, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealth, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Backstairs

Words with the opposite meaning of Backstairs:

open, overt, public

Related Words for Backstairs

back-channel, closed-door, off-the-books, off-the-record, classified, confidential, restricted, top secret, undisclosed, concealed, hidden, secreted, subterranean, unadvertised, unexposed

Near Antonyms of Backstairs

acknowledged, avowed, aboveboard, straightforward, unconcealed, undisguised, unclassified, unrestricted, clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain

Origin & Etymology of Backstairs

First known use: 1663

Frequently Asked Questions about Backstairs

What does "Backstairs" mean?

"Backstairs" means secret, furtive. As an adjective, it is defined as: secret, furtive.

What is another word for "Backstairs"?

Other words for "Backstairs" include behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush and private. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Backstairs" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Backstairs"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Backstairs". Common alternatives include behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy and secret.

What is the opposite of "Backstairs"?

Antonyms of "Backstairs" include open, overt and public. Near antonyms include acknowledged, avowed, aboveboard and straightforward.

How do you use "Backstairs" in a sentence?

Examples of "Backstairs" in a sentence: "an influential Washington lobbyist who has been involved in a number of backstairs deals to limit regulation of financial institutions".

Is "Backstairs" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Backstairs" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Backstairs"?

"Backstairs" is pronounced /ˈbak-ˌsterz/ and divided into syllables as back·stairs.

What is the origin of the word "Backstairs"?

First known use: 1663.