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Synonym Chooser

How is the word furtive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of furtive are clandestine, covert, secret, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When would clandestine be a good substitute for furtive?

In some situations, the words clandestine and furtive are roughly equivalent. 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

When could covert be used to replace furtive?

The words covert and furtive can be used in similar contexts, but covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When is secret a more appropriate choice than furtive?

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

met at a secret location

When can stealthy be used instead of furtive?

While the synonyms stealthy and furtive are close in meaning, 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 furtive?

Although the words surreptitious and furtive have much in common, 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 furtive?

The words underhanded and furtive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 furtive Hviid has more of a feel for furtive, vaguely unsavory atmospherics and escalating editorial suspense than for maximizing action within memorable set-pieces. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 Bunny, known for being furtive and press averse, was suddenly ubiquitous. Leila Cobo, Billboard, 21 Jan. 2025 Over the past decade, furtive commercial entities around the world have industrialized the production, sale, and dissemination of bogus scholarly research. Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025 Over the past decade, furtive commercial entities around the world have industrialized the production, sale and dissemination of bogus scholarly research. Cyril Labbé, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for furtive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for furtive
Adjective
  • It’s implied that before going into construction, Levon had brought his military training into civilian life in some shady (though likely heroic) capacity or another — maybe even kidnap recovery.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
  • During a recent conversation with legendary radio host Big Boy, the 26-year-old spoke about her haters and shady tension that led to this notion.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Director Jeremy Workman and editor Paul Murphy knew there was more nuance to the story than a clandestine performance piece, though.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2025
  • TdA is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Saxon looks stunned, but his younger bro wears a sly smile.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Nicholson's portrayal of a rebellious mental hospital inmate is a phenomenal combination of sly intelligence and impish braggadocio, best showcased during the scene where, thwarted in his attempt to watch the World Series on TV, McMurphy ad libs a commentary in front of a blank set.
    EW.com, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the website also has messages about residents being startled, as Catanzaro was, by stealthy contractors with air guns.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Ones that lift and lower, offer stealthy storage, and blend into the walls By Erika Owen and Shoko Wanger All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Then Gungnir covert sniper rifle seems like a bargain, relatively speaking, at just $12,867.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In the letter, Grassley wrote that the records would help shine a light on the Nazi planning of the covert escape routes.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One was sneaky, shooting around the defending player.
    Omar White, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Read Next Editorials Effort to divide Keller schools was sneaky to the end.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In a hearing Tuesday, Mr. Ratcliffe said the officer was not undercover.
    New York Times, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Attorneys for the Department of Justice are contesting Taal’s alleged timeline of the facts, after his lawyers said undercover immigration officers showed up at his residence last week in retaliation for filing the lawsuit.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Houston was simply without an answer for the electric, shifty guard who punished each and every defender that was put in his crosshairs.
    Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Rocking a New Jersey accent as Joyce’s friend Cynthia, Moore gives a shifty performance that’s key to the success of this twisty non-linear mystery.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Furtive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/furtive. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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