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Showing results for in secret.
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

"It Was Just an Accident," by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, was filmed in secret and deals with a dilemma that victims of oppression sometimes face: should they take revenge or forgive those who imprisoned them?

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

The affected barrister is Rachel Toney, who represents al-Libi's interests in secret hearings which are closed to him and his own lawyers.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

I kept the knowledge locked within myself, taking it out from time to time to admire in secret.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson