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Dictionary.com
Definitions

under cover

ADJECTIVE
obscured
Synonyms
STRONG
buried concealed cover guarded hidden implied obscure shrouded unsaid
WEAK
ambiguous covert cryptic dark enigmatic equivocal personal privy remote secondary selfish under wraps undisclosed undivulged unexpressed
Antonyms
STRONG
bare clear exposed expressed obvious open stated uncovered
ADJECTIVE
ulterior
Synonyms
WEAK
ambiguous buried concealed covert cryptic dark enigmatic equivocal guarded hidden implied obscure obscured personal privy remote secondary selfish shrouded under wraps undisclosed undivulged unexpressed unsaid
Antonyms
WEAK
expressed known overt public
ADVERB
clandestinely
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confidentially covertly stealthily surreptitiously
WEAK
by stealth sub-rosa unobserved
Antonyms
STRONGEST
openly publicly
ADVERB
inside
Synonyms
STRONGEST
indoors
WEAK
under a roof within doors within walls
Antonyms
WEAK
exterior outside

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.

For decades a narrow waterway in Ganvie, Benin has been a discreet rendezvous point for young couples to meet -- safe under cover of darkness, far away from strict families and prying eyes.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

But these elephants are no dopes: One of Ms. Argo’s coups is capturing a very well-organized raid—quietly executed, under cover of darkness—by a parade of males into a tomato plantation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

As the sun went down and a phone notification warned of more rain, the women, donning elf aprons and Santa hats, scrambled to move the boxes under cover.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

Eight soldiers were charged with depriving the students of their civil rights under cover of law, but were acquitted in a bench trial.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2025

‘We were both right! The short cut has gone crooked already; but we got under cover only just in time. You’ve got sharp ears, Sam: can you hear anything coming?’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien