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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arcane classified hush-hush hushed in private inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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classified covert furtive hush-hush mysterious obscure private secluded undercover underground undisclosed unknown unpublished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.

“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

“If it’s really important they’ll leave a message,” said Pahouja, who also runs a Facebook group where more than 26,000 dentists swap tips for maximizing practice profits and using backdoor Roth IRAs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The mega backdoor Roth won’t make you richer immediately, but it will allow your contributions to grow tax-free and to be withdrawn tax-free in retirement.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 9, 2026

It was designed to prevent civil lawsuits from becoming backdoor appeals of criminal judgments.

From Slate • Jan. 8, 2026

Curious, Kendra rushed downstairs and out the backdoor.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull