Surreptitious — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs/ sur·rep·ti·tious

Meaning & Definition of Surreptitious

Surreptitious (adjective)

  1. done, made, or acquired by stealth, clandestine
  2. acting or doing something clandestinely, stealthy

Surreptitious (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "a private investigator adept at taking surreptitious pictures of adulterous couples"

    similar: backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, secret, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealth, stealthy, 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 Surreptitious

The most common words with a similar meaning to Surreptitious:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Surreptitious

Words with the opposite meaning of Surreptitious:

open, overt, public

Related Words for Surreptitious

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 Surreptitious

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

Word Forms of Surreptitious

Derived words: surreptitiously (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Surreptitious

Middle English, from Latin surrepticius, from surreptus, past participle of surripere to snatch secretly, from sub- + rapere to seize rapid

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Surreptitious

What does "Surreptitious" mean?

"Surreptitious" means done, made, or acquired by stealth, clandestine. As an adjective, it is defined as: done, made, or acquired by stealth, clandestine.

What is another word for "Surreptitious"?

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

What are different ways to say "Surreptitious"?

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

What is the opposite of "Surreptitious"?

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

How do you use "Surreptitious" in a sentence?

Examples of "Surreptitious" in a sentence: "a private investigator adept at taking surreptitious pictures of adulterous couples".

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

"Surreptitious" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Surreptitious"?

"Surreptitious" is pronounced /ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs/ and divided into syllables as sur·rep·ti·tious.

What is the origin of the word "Surreptitious"?

"Surreptitious" comes from Middle English, from Latin surrepticius, from surreptus, past participle of surripere to snatch secretly, from sub- + rapere to seize rapid. First known use: 15th century.