Definitions

backdoor

[bak-dawr] / ˈbækˈdɔr /

ADJECTIVE

confidential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

classified hush-hush intimate private

WEAK

arcane closet hushed inside off the record privy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

public revealed

WEAK

common familiar known well-known

ADJECTIVE

huggermugger

Synonyms

WEAK

backstairs camouflaged clandestine classified cloak-and-dagger close confidential covert cryptic discreet disguised dissembled dissimulated furtive hush-hush in ambush incognito inside restricted secretive sly sneak sneaky

ADJECTIVE

off the record

Synonyms

WEAK

arcane classified hush-hush hushed in private inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial

ADJECTIVE

secret

Synonyms

STRONGEST

classified confidential covert furtive hush-hush restricted secretive surreptitious

STRONG

backstairs close inside sneak

WEAK

camouflaged cryptic discreet disguised dissembled dissimulated in ambush incognito sly sneaky stealthy sub-rosa top-secret unacknowledged under false pretense under-the-table underhanded

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard forthright honest known open public

WEAK

clear defined explicit legal legitimate revealed unconcealed

ADJECTIVE

secret

Synonyms

STRONGEST

classified covert furtive hush-hush mysterious obscure private secluded undercover underground undisclosed unknown unpublished

STRONG

close closet dark deep mystic occult unseen

WEAK

abstruse ambiguous arcane camouflaged cloak-and-dagger clouded conspiratorial covered cryptic disguised enigmatical esoteric mystical on the Q.T. out-of-the-way recondite reticent retired shrouded strange under wraps unenlightened unfrequented unintelligible veiled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard apparent honest known obvious open public revealed sociable unconcealed

STRONG

light visible

WEAK

clear defined explicit forthright legal legitimate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Loyalty programs have really become backdoor laboratories for pricing,” she told the Post.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

Pertento Partners founder Eduardo Marques sees a backdoor entry through Korea’s conglomerate holding companies.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

This is where many backdoor Roth attempts go sideways.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

“What they did was a backdoor move. They said, ‘we’ll just let everybody know we’re concerned,’ and that is enough to have stores kick you out.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

I just have to get to my locker for my coat and slip out the backdoor.

From "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake

backdoor

Example Sentences

Related Words