COVERT Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

covert 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkō-(ˌ)vərt

Definition of covert next

as in secluded

screened or sequestered from view a covert little hideaway that provides a lot of privacy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a covert operation to provide aid to the rebels

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

covert

2 of 2

noun

ˈkə-vərt

as in hideout

a place where a person goes to hide or to avoid others set up a covert from which to watch wildlife without being detected

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in grove

a thick patch of shrubbery, small trees, or underbrush the rabbit rushed to the safety of the nearest covert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

Ukraine then escalated the matter over the weekend with a drone raid against Russian targets that Kyiv claimed were locations of covert military facilities. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 The Justice Department has argued that TikTok poses a grave threat, citing its vast trove of user data from 170 million Americans and the risk of covert influence campaigns. —

Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025

Noun

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 The return to Mando’s covert was even better, as Bo-Katan is also welcomed to walk The Way alongside them, much to her surprise (and conflicted feelings). —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for covert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covert

Adjective

Several of the victims were lured to secluded locations before being beaten and hacked to death by MS-13 members.

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
The island’s coastline features a mix of striking black-sand beaches and one secluded white-sand gem: Rendezvous Bay.

Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025