Definitions

furtive

[fur-tiv] / ˈfɜr tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

sneaky, secretive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clandestine conspiratorial covert surreptitious

WEAK

artful calculating cautious circumspect cloaked crafty creepy cunning disguised elusive evasive foxy guileful hidden hush-hush insidious masked scheming shifty skulking slinking sly stealthy sub-rosa tricky under wraps under-the-table undercover underhand underhanded wily

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard honest open

WEAK

forthright truthful

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.

As the temperature heads below freezing, powerful pyrotechnics light up the sky and Tennant does indeed stand in a bush looking furtive, as promised.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Theirs is not a wholly furtive relationship, but it is not altogether an open one either.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2025

“They’re recovering. They’re aggressive … they’re biting again,” he said, noting that’s a healthy sign for the usually furtive creatures.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

There was no longer any need for a psychopath to be furtive about his dastardly designs.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2024

There was something furtive about him and she felt rather than saw that he had just ended a cell phone conversation.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Vocabulary lists containing furtive

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