surreptitious

[US]/ˌsʌrəpˈtɪʃəs/
[UK]/ˌsɜːrəpˈtɪʃəs/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. done, made, or acquired by stealth or in secret
adv. in a stealthy or secretive manner

Example Sentences

a surreptitious look at the answers

took a surreptitious glance at his watch;

the surreptitious mobilization of troops in preparation for a sneak attack.

His surreptitious behaviour naturally aroused suspicion.

low wages were supplemented by surreptitious payments from tradesmen.

Long-haired women in crowded areas have fallen victim to surreptitious hair snippers who steal their hair to sell, the Burmese-language 24/7 news journal reported.

Real-world Examples

" Barring a little surreptitious auto-erotism and homosexuality–absolutely nothing."

Source: Brave New World

But look; it's all part of a strategy here from Trump to make it something shady, something surreptitious.

Source: NPR News May 2020 Compilation

(surreptitious music) - A'ight, I'mma head out.

Source: MBTI Personality Types Guide

At the time he had given surreptitious tugs to the string himself.

Source: The Room with a View (Part 1)

But I think they're leaving surreptitious scented messages for potential mates.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) May 2019 Compilation

His surreptitious surveillance made his colleagues have some suspicions.

Source: Pan Pan

Amid some surreptitious scanning of notes and clearing of throats, Marc stepped into the middle.

Source: After You (Me Before You #2)

(surreptitious music) - Uh, I'm heading out, but before I go, I'm gonna help you clean up.

Source: MBTI Personality Types Guide

He listened to surreptitious recordings of Garbo's phone calls " until I was so bored I couldn't bear to go on" .

Source: The Economist (Summary)

It was so deep in the crack that Elfride could not pull it out with her hand, though she made several surreptitious trials.

Source: A pair of blue eyes (Part 2)

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