SURREPTITIOUS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does surreptitious mean? 

• SURREPTITIOUS (adjective)
  The adjective SURREPTITIOUS has 2 senses:

1. marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

2. conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

  Familiarity information: SURREPTITIOUS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SURREPTITIOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

Synonyms:

furtive; sneak; sneaky; stealthy; surreptitious

Context example:

a surreptitious glance at his watch

Similar:

concealed (hidden on any grounds for any motive)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

Synonyms:

clandestine; cloak-and-dagger; hole-and-corner; hugger-mugger; hush-hush; secret; surreptitious; undercover; underground

Context example:

underground resistance

Similar:

covert (secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed)

 Context examples 

Another source of income to Maria were her cows, two of them, which she milked night and morning and which gained a surreptitious livelihood from vacant lots and the grass that grew on either side the public side walks, attended always by one or more of her ragged boys, whose watchful guardianship consisted chiefly in keeping their eyes out for the poundmen.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)