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.

Which is probably why even the people pushing the idea admit they are doing it in secret.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

His mom served as the pastor for their church, which met in secret in their home along with 17 or 18 fellow converts for daily services.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 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

Like many others living in the house, K also lost teeth due to poor dental hygiene, and was forced to wash in secret at night.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Powers faded from public view, but what he could not know is that for the next two years, the CIA maneuvered in secret to bring its man home.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

in secret

Example Sentences

Related Words