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Definition of covertnext

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
Trump acknowledged his authorization of covert CIA operations in Venezuela in October, and evidently, by the end of the year, analysts had gathered the information needed to make this operation go smoothly. R. Evan Ellis, The Conversation, 4 Jan. 2026 The covert campaign ran in parallel with an increasingly overt show of force. Time, 3 Jan. 2026
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
  • Some of the most popular options are larger beaches like Cala Granadella, Cala Portixol, and Cala Blanca, but Cala Sardinera and Cala del Francés are popular with locals for their secluded feel.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Alila Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico Nature surrounds Alila Mayakoba, a secluded hotel situated on 60 acres of mangroves and freshwater canals in Riviera Maya.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The show’s original pair of fathers, who secretly orchestrate the clandestine love affair between their children, are now mothers.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Saimar Rivas, Armas’s partner and a longtime civil-rights activist, told me that he had been taken to a clandestine site run by the SEBIN, Venezuela’s intelligence agency.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Virunga's forests are also believed to have been used as a hideout by fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • From serene mountain hideouts to tiny communities with picture-perfect main streets, here are eight of Tennessee’s most romantic small towns for your next weekend away.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In Southern California, Ojai is a serene haven of spiritual retreats, boutique shopping, and lush orange groves.
    Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • At Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a rich marine habitat and trails through dense groves await.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Exploring by boat or paddleboard is also a great way to find hidden areas that feel like your own private beach.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • More than once, Coon and Smallwood are completely nude on stage, as Agnes and Peter lay hidden parts of their psyche bare.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Nine years after foiling a lucrative weapons tradeoff and delivering Roper to Syrian captors, Pine has gone undercover again, eventually reuniting with foreign investigator Angela Burr (Colman) as an MI6 operative.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Can the Faithfuls work together or will the Traitors go undercover and pick off the Faithfuls one by one?
    Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Outside of his lair, the world looks barren and deserted, save for a few glowing red rifts in the ground where the world is connected to the Upside Down.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025
  • Two young women are trapped in the lair of the Mangittatuarjuk, the Gnawer of Rocks.
    Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 15 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Now the birds’ favored nesting habitats, the native pisonia trees and octopus bushes, are back.
    Susan Casey, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The tracks of Eastern cottontail are also a common sight — especially near thickets of chokecherry, elderberry and other bushes that provide safe shelter.
    Susan Koch, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Covert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covert. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on covert

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