covert

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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

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
The aide had hired three Russian contractors to conduct a covert online propaganda campaign to weaken global support for Ukraine’s attempt to repel Russia’s invasion. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 In a classified assessment prepared in early October, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia, which favors Donald Trump, and Iran, which prefers Kamala Harris, were both plotting covert propaganda campaigns to sow post-election discord over the vote counting. The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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 That’s just after Mando is cast out from his Mandalorian covert for the cardinal sin of removing his helmet in the presence of others. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 May 2022 See all Example Sentences for covert 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covert
Adjective
  • Villa Avellana Who Stays There: Tech entrepreneurs, bank CEOs, music producers, and entertainers The Property: A modern, teak-and-glass villa on a secluded cove with red land crabs, white egrets, and turtle nests.
    Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Loreto, Mexico, is a secluded town on the Baja Peninsula known for its natural beauty and tranquility.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Congress in recent years has been hot on the UAP trail, as a bipartisan but still somewhat fringe-y coalition of lawmakers has held hearings and applied pressure on other government entities to release information, particularly about any clandestine programs using taxpayer money.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The premise hinges on the idea that China is Mexico’s number-one oil buyer — formidable leverage for the mysterious Chinese agent’s clandestine plot.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Meanwhile on Wednesday, Israel deployed more troops in its ground assault on southern Lebanon, designed to destroy Hezbollah tunnels and hideouts so as to make northern Israel safe again for residents who were evacuated a year ago because of Hezbollah rocket fire.
    Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2024
  • The hideouts are intended to give a little bit of normalcy to troops very close to the front lines.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Meaning: From the alder grove Alternative Spellings & Variations: Delany Faun A faun is a kind of mythical creature found in Pan’s Labyrinth.
    Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 Oct. 2024
  • The Beach Terrace above is conceived as a lush oasis with a lagoon, a sandy beachfront and palm groves.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The journalist in the film, Harry Shukman, captures that on a hidden camera.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The hidden side is flat to stay flush with the wall.
    Genevieve Cepeda, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Federal law enforcement say Philippi told an undercover agent about his previous affiliations with extremist groups, including the Atomwaffen Division and National Alliance.
    Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Lambesis infamously spent nearly three years in prison after pleading guilty to soliciting an undercover cop to murder his then-wife and relaunched the band in 2018 after his release from prison.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • From recreating the original wizard’s lair to designing Justin Russo’s new home, take an exclusive look at the sets for the highly anticipated ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ reboot.
    Dana Thomas, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The Phantom and Norma are both attention-hungry spiders in glittering lairs; both are fantasists whose faces, either twisted or simply aging, become their obsessive focus.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The brakes have also been upgraded with new racing-spec brakes.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Should the economy run hot and inflation flare up again, Powell and his colleagues could decide to tap the brakes on their efforts to lower interest rates.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near covert

Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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