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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.

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

“Their fee structure was designed in secret by board members of the PRO,” said Eric Hoplin, president and chief executive of the group.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

“I want you to come with me, and to come in secret, to the churchyard at Kingstead.”

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker