covert

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word covert distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of covert are clandestine, furtive, secret, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When could clandestine be used to replace covert?

The meanings of clandestine and covert largely overlap; however, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

Where would furtive be a reasonable alternative to covert?

The words furtive and covert can be used in similar contexts, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is secret a more appropriate choice than covert?

While in some cases nearly identical to covert, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of covert?

The words stealthy and covert 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

In what contexts can surreptitious take the place of covert?

In some situations, the words surreptitious and covert are roughly equivalent. However, 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 might underhanded be a better fit than covert?

While the synonyms underhanded and covert are close in meaning, 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 covert
Adjective
Washington legislators and intelligence agencies have cited fears that TikTok's recommendation algorithm and data access could enable covert manipulation or espionage by China's government—a claim fiercely denied by ByteDance and Beijing. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 Some of the accidents involved the Army’s most elite troops and occurred during the course of covert operations. Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
But keeping the commercial covert was especially challenging after his wife, Martel Thompson Hale — who is a makeup artist — worked with him on the ad. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 The main plot involves Ragnar, the kid whose helmet ceremony was interrupted in the season’s opening scene, being abducted by a dragon that has been bedeviling the covert for a while. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for covert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covert
Adjective
  • For a secluded retreat that feels both historic and freshly relevant, The Inn at Stonecliffe is Mackinac’s finest choice.
    Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Only a short drive away from Santa Monica and Venice, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds in this secluded rental.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a First World War U-boat that somehow glides from underneath Lake Michigan all the way to Croatia, commandeered by its captain, post-Armistice, for new and clandestine uses.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Co-created by The New York Times bestselling author Carr and season 1 creator and showrunner David DiGilio, Dark Wolf follows Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) on his journey from the SEALs to the clandestine side of CIA special operations.
    Susan Young, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • During the 1880s, the brothers lived here and made their livelihood rustling cattle and horses, while at the same time disposing of unsuspecting ranchers who wandered too close to their hideout.
    Patti Nickell, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
  • If this were true, Solomon would learn all of this elder’s secret hideouts and survival tricks, resulting in a formidable pair for any hunter to take on.
    Jim Tschetter, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In 1979, five months after my seventh birthday, my father crashed his plane into an orange grove and died.
    Jon Michael Varese, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The property has a 1,600-square-foot garage/workshop equipped with power and water for the hobbyist or car collector, and a citrus grove with Satsuma mandarins, oranges, limes and lemons.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The large main compartment is big enough to hold your sunglasses, wallet, keys, travel documents, and makeup essentials, plus a hidden back pocket that’s sized to fit your smartphone.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The researcher also plans to expand his search for other examples of mimicry in different plant species, believing that many more forms of floral mimicry remain hidden, waiting to be discovered.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Outside undercover officers stopped a car with two brothers and their parents in it.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Then, on October 16 — a week ahead of the Vikings’ showdown with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football — star wide receiver Jefferson goes undercover as a nature photographer to get the inside scoop on the fast-growing sport of flag football.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The first stage of the final HOH contest had the final three flying in drones off the coast of BB City searching for the Mastermind’s new lair.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
  • For more winter wonder nearby, find Santa in his secret lair atop Rochers-de-Naye, accessible via traditional cogwheel train, and discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The driver also brake-checked the officer, but the officer managed to avoid crashing into the back of the Buick, according to police.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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