surreptitiously

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "surreptitiously" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that is used to describe an action that is done secretly or without anyone noticing. Example: The thief surreptitiously snuck into the museum at night and stole the valuable painting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Where people do figure, they are, for the most part, taken surreptitiously from the side or back.

The Guardian - Arts

Some umpires, having suspicions but no evidence, will change the ball under the pretext of it having gone out of shape, surreptitiously using the measuring rings used in women's cricket, for a smaller ball, rather than the usual ones.

The Guardian - Sport

This dubious place of worship, established in the 1820s largely as a burial speculation, contained a modest cellar in which the deceased were laid to rest in their thousands (ie. corpses were regularly surreptitiously cleared away).

The Guardian

Working almost daily, he would note similarities in the appearance of passers-by and surreptitiously photograph them, or take "photo notes" as he calls them.

The Guardian - Arts

The Guardian understands that Grant Shapps's Wikipedia article had been monitored by the site for months – as the Tory chair had previously admitted editing his own page surreptitiously.

The Guardian

But there's another question where no agreement is going to be possible: was the front page of the Sun surreptitiously antisemitic?

The Guardian - Opinion

Encouraged by his teacher, yet wary of telling his embattled, striking father and older brother, he learns surreptitiously.

The Guardian - Film

I worked it out, researching methods surreptitiously online, studying for hours after my shift.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Last year hundreds were detained, some of them for months, after returning from legal trips to India in which they surreptitiously attended teachings by the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya, a holy Buddhist site.Heavy security in Tibet, including riot police patrolling the streets of Lhasa, may help prevent another plateau-wide explosion like that of 2008.

The Economist

Indeed, administration officials warn that it would do more harm than good, because if travellers from affected countries end up entering the US surreptitiously it will make them harder to monitor.

The Economist

The first concerned more than 25,000 transactions, worth $19.4 billion, that surreptitiously involved Iran, though identifying markers had been scrubbed in violation of American transparency laws.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surreptitiously" to add a sense of intrigue or secrecy to your writing. It implies a deliberate effort to avoid detection, making actions seem more calculated and intentional.

Common error

Avoid using "surreptitiously" when a simpler word like "secretly" or "quietly" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or affected, particularly if the context doesn't truly warrant a sense of hidden action.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "surreptitiously" modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes the stealthy, secretive, and unobtrusive way something is done. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage and examples demonstrate this function clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "surreptitiously" denotes doing something secretly or stealthily to avoid being noticed. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical use and plentiful examples reveal its prevalence in news and media contexts, signaling a formal to neutral register. Related alternatives include "covertly", "secretly", and "furtively", each carrying subtly different connotations. Remember to use "surreptitiously" when you want to emphasize a deliberate effort to avoid detection. Avoid overuse, opting for simpler terms when the context warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covertly

Emphasizes the hidden nature of the action, often suggesting a need to avoid detection due to potential disapproval or illegality.

secretly

A general term indicating that an action is performed without others' knowledge, lacking a specific connotation of stealth or furtiveness.

furtively

Suggests a sense of guilt or anxiety associated with the secret action, implying a desire to avoid observation.

stealthily

Highlights the quiet and careful manner in which the action is performed, emphasizing the intention to remain unnoticed.

clandestinely

Implies a higher degree of secrecy and organization, often associated with illegal or forbidden activities.

on the sly

An informal way to describe doing something in secret, often implying a mischievous or playful intent.

under the radar

Indicates that an action is being performed quietly and discreetly to avoid attracting attention or scrutiny.

in secret

A straightforward alternative that simply means doing something without others knowing.

discreetly

Suggests handling something sensitively and carefully to avoid causing embarrassment or offense.

behind the scenes

Indicates that actions are taking place privately and out of public view, often with a sense of manipulation or control.

FAQs

How can I use "surreptitiously" in a sentence?

"Surreptitiously" describes an action done secretly or stealthily to avoid being noticed. For instance, "He "surreptitiously slipped the note" under the door."

What are some alternatives to "surreptitiously"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "covertly", "secretly", or "furtively" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is "surreptitiously" formal or informal?

"Surreptitiously" is generally considered a more formal word. In informal contexts, you might opt for simpler alternatives such as "secretly" or "on the sly".

What's the difference between "surreptitiously" and "secretly"?

While both words indicate that something is done without being openly known, "surreptitiously" implies a greater degree of stealth and caution to avoid detection. "Secretly" is a more general term for something done in secret.