STEALTHY Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'stealthy' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stealthy are clandestine , covert , furtive , secret , surreptitious , and underhanded . While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing. // the stealthy step of a burglar

Q: When is it sensible to use 'clandestine' instead of 'stealthy'?

The words clandestine and stealthy can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When might 'covert' be a better fit than 'stealthy'?

The meanings of covert and stealthy largely overlap; however, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared. // covert intelligence operations

Q: When could 'furtive' be used to replace 'stealthy'?

In some situations, the words furtive and stealthy are roughly equivalent. However, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness. // lovers exchanging furtive glances

Q: When can 'secret' be used instead of 'stealthy'?

Although the words secret and stealthy have much in common, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive. // met at a secret location

Q: When is 'surreptitious' a more appropriate choice than 'stealthy'?

The synonyms surreptitious and stealthy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would 'underhanded' be a good substitute for 'stealthy'?

The words underhanded and stealthy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, underhanded stresses fraud or deception. // an underhanded trick

stealthy

adjective

ˈstel-thē

Definition of stealthy next

as in shady

given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions cats are among the stealthiest of stalkers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others constantly harassed the enemy with stealthy raids

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stealthy distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stealthy are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

When is it sensible to use clandestine instead of stealthy?

The words clandestine and stealthy can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might covert be a better fit than stealthy?

The meanings of covert and stealthy largely overlap; however, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When could furtive be used to replace stealthy?

In some situations, the words furtive and stealthy are roughly equivalent. However, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When can secret be used instead of stealthy?

Although the words secret and stealthy have much in common, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When is surreptitious a more appropriate choice than stealthy?

The synonyms surreptitious and stealthy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would underhanded be a good substitute for stealthy?

The words underhanded and stealthy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 stealthy As Big Alice approaches Snowpiercer, Layton plans to be stealthy and take the Admiral by surprise. —

Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2024 Scientists know now that the stealthy menace originated in east Asia and was probably spread inadvertently by people to every continent except Antarctica. —

Martin J. Kernan, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2024 That’s precisely how the stealthier points of the campaign feel. —

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 To avoid this political inconvenience, Biden-Harris administration officials came up with a temporary solution: a massive and stealthy insurance industry bailout. —

Tomas J. Philipson, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stealthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stealthy

Adjective

When temperatures start to warm in spring, begin to harden off the plant by placing it in a shady spot during the daytime.

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
Ji Chang-wook, who plays a shady broker, is bloodied and battered from the beginning of the series to the end.

Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024