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arcane classified hush-hush hushed in private inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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classified covert furtive hush-hush mysterious obscure private secluded undercover underground undisclosed unknown unpublished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.

“There are some backdoor paths to closing the deal while still litigating with the states over their concerns. But there is no way to move forward without the sign-off from regulators in Europe.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

The uptick in backdoor reference-checking reflects a growing problem in hiring: People on both sides of the recruiting game can’t trust each other.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

“Loyalty programs have really become backdoor laboratories for pricing,” she told the Post.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

Pertento Partners founder Eduardo Marques sees a backdoor entry through Korea’s conglomerate holding companies.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Mother walked straight out of the room, out the backdoor toward the kitchen.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

backdoor

Example Sentences

Related Words