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Definitions

backdoor

[bak-dawr] / ˈbækˈdɔr /
ADJECTIVE
confidential
Synonyms
STRONGEST
classified hush-hush intimate private
WEAK
arcane closet hushed inside off the record privy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
public revealed
WEAK
common familiar known well-known
ADJECTIVE
huggermugger
Synonyms
WEAK
backstairs camouflaged clandestine classified cloak-and-dagger close confidential covert cryptic discreet disguised dissembled dissimulated furtive hush-hush in ambush incognito inside restricted secretive sly sneak sneaky
ADJECTIVE
off the record
Synonyms
WEAK
arcane classified hush-hush hushed in private inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial
ADJECTIVE
secret
Synonyms
STRONGEST
classified confidential covert furtive hush-hush restricted secretive surreptitious
STRONG
backstairs close inside sneak
WEAK
camouflaged cryptic discreet disguised dissembled dissimulated in ambush incognito sly sneaky stealthy sub-rosa top-secret unacknowledged under false pretense under-the-table underhanded
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aboveboard forthright honest known open public
WEAK
clear defined explicit legal legitimate revealed unconcealed
ADJECTIVE
secret
Synonyms
STRONGEST
classified covert furtive hush-hush mysterious obscure private secluded undercover underground undisclosed unknown unpublished
STRONG
close closet dark deep mystic occult unseen
WEAK
abstruse ambiguous arcane camouflaged cloak-and-dagger clouded conspiratorial covered cryptic disguised enigmatical esoteric mystical on the Q.T. out-of-the-way recondite reticent retired shrouded strange under wraps unenlightened unfrequented unintelligible veiled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aboveboard apparent honest known obvious open public revealed sociable unconcealed
STRONG
light visible
WEAK
clear defined explicit forthright legal legitimate

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.

Courts can no longer use unaffordable bail as a backdoor detention order.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

In December, her government imposed 50% tariffs on some Chinese products including electric vehicles to mirror U.S. policy and calm fears that Mexico would be a duty-free backdoor to the U.S. for Beijing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

“What they did was a backdoor move. They said, ‘we’ll just let everybody know we’re concerned,’ and that is enough to have stores kick you out.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

So does a mega backdoor Roth make sense for you?

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

Trip came down and hit Glen on a backdoor play and we were up by one.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers