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Definitions

in secret

ADJECTIVE
behind-the-scenes
Synonyms
WEAK
backstage behind the curtain in a corner in the dark out of public view sub-rosa
ADVERB
huggermugger
Synonyms
WEAK
behind closed doors behind someone's back by stealth clandestinely confidentially covertly furtively hush-hush in camera in confidence in holes and corners in strict confidence insidiously intimately o obscurely on the Q.T.
ADVERB
secretly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clandestinely covertly furtively personally privately quietly stealthily surreptitiously
WEAK
behind closed doors behind someone's back by stealth confidentially hush-hush in camera in confidence in holes and corners in strict confidence insidiously intimately obscurely on the Q.T. on the quiet on the sly privily slyly sub-rosa under the table underhandedly unobserved
Antonyms
STRONGEST
publicly
WEAK
openly

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.

In 2024, Armenta and Barrera reunited again in secret to hash out what would be Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Regida’s joint EP, “Mala Mía” — “without either group knowing,” Armenta said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The Vatican also played a major role in secret negotiations that led the Obama administration to re-establish full diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2015.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The government had spent days in secret talks with the players, who were whisked to a safe house after leaving their hotel on the Gold Coast.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Who among us is getting Botox in secret after age 40?

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

"But Mo didn't know it was the wrong book! Elinor swapped them in secret."

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke