surreptitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "surreptitious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is done in a secret or sly manner. For example, "The thief made a surreptitious escape from the scene of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

JIEDDO's recent, surreptitious move into the intelligence world is not the first by a US defense agency that does not have an intelligence mandate.

The Guardian

Thanks to consumer culture it's entirely possible to give the Earth a surreptitious kicking on a daily basis.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was left outside his room by a smitten but surreptitious fan.

The Guardian - Travel

In Colombian slang it refers to last-minute or surreptitious provisions slipped into legislation, usually to serve shady interests.

The Economist

The surreptitious checking of the seat restraints, the stomach-churning climb and the visceral thrill of the drop are the hallmarks of a park visit.

The Economist

Cynics claimed this was a surreptitious way to undermine greenery, but they have been proved wrong.

The Economist

A contingent of activists linked to the Tea Party decry plans to encourage walking and cycling as surreptitious means of undermining American sovereignty by the United Nations.

The Economist

Wearable cameras will make such surreptitious photography easier.

The Economist

If and when face-recognition technology improves to the point where surreptitious cameras can routinely recognise individuals, privacy, as it has existed in the public sphere, will in effect be wiped out.

The Economist

While Diageo and Pernod barged through the front door and paid a hefty premium to trump rival bidders, Allied Domecq snuck around the side and forged surreptitious deals with the owners of the brands that Seagram distributed.

The Economist

His revelations about the bank's surreptitious servicing of thousands of rich, tax-dodging Americans started a war on Swiss moneymen.Eight brutal years later, far from being over, it has become bogged down.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surreptitious" to describe actions that are not only secret, but also done in a way that avoids notice or disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "surreptitious" when you simply mean "secret". "Surreptitious" implies a deliberate attempt to conceal actions, often with a hint of impropriety.

Linguistic Context

The word "surreptitious" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions or behaviors characterized by secrecy, stealth, or covertness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it often suggests an attempt to avoid detection, especially in situations where the action might be disapproved of.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surreptitious" is an adjective used to describe actions done secretly and stealthily, often to avoid disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal register. Related terms include "clandestine" and "covert", each adding a unique nuance to the concept of secrecy. To use "surreptitious" effectively, focus on the deliberate concealment and potential impropriety of the action. Avoid using it when simply describing something that is secret without the intention to evade notice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clandestine

Focuses on the secret and often illicit nature of the action.

covert

Emphasizes the intention to conceal the action or identity.

furtive

Highlights the shifty and secretive nature of the behavior.

stealthy

Suggests a careful and quiet approach to avoid detection.

secret

A more general term indicating that something is hidden or not openly known.

underhand

Implies dishonesty or unfairness in the secretive action.

under the table

Indicates an illegal or unethical exchange or transaction.

backstage

Refers to something that takes place out of the public eye or behind the scenes.

unofficial

Suggests a lack of formal authorization or recognition.

hush-hush

Emphasizes the need for absolute secrecy and discretion.

FAQs

How is "surreptitious" used in a sentence?

The word "surreptitious" describes something done secretly, often because it would not be approved of. For instance, "He made a "surreptitious attempt" to take her candy when she wasn't looking".

What words are similar to "surreptitious"?

Synonyms for "surreptitious" include "clandestine", "covert", and "furtive", each suggesting different aspects of secrecy and concealment.

How does "surreptitious" differ from "secret"?

"Secret" simply means not known or seen by others. "Surreptitious", on the other hand, implies an attempt to avoid notice specifically because the action is frowned upon or forbidden.

When is it appropriate to use the word "surreptitious"?

Use "surreptitious" when describing an action that is intentionally hidden and likely to cause disapproval if discovered. It adds a layer of nuance beyond simply stating that something is "secret".