in secret

ADJECTIVE

behind-the-scenes

Synonyms

WEAK

backstage behind the curtain in a corner in the dark out of public view sub-rosa

ADVERB

huggermugger

Synonyms

WEAK

behind closed doors behind someone's back by stealth clandestinely confidentially covertly furtively hush-hush in camera in confidence in holes and corners in strict confidence insidiously intimately o obscurely on the Q.T.

ADVERB

secretly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clandestinely covertly furtively personally privately quietly stealthily surreptitiously

WEAK

behind closed doors behind someone's back by stealth confidentially hush-hush in camera in confidence in holes and corners in strict confidence insidiously intimately obscurely on the Q.T. on the quiet on the sly privily slyly sub-rosa under the table underhandedly unobserved

Antonyms

STRONGEST

publicly

WEAK

openly

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.

Because this often happens in secret, you might never find out who helped or harmed your chances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Tracing deportees as they are shuffled across borders in secret has been a recurring issue, lawyers have told AFP.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Then what comes out basically in secret the next day is a gift that could benefit him to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

His mom served as the pastor for their church, which met in secret in their home along with 17 or 18 fellow converts for daily services.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The two men would never visit each other’s offices, she adds, but often met in secret to coordinate plans.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

in secret

Example Sentences

Related Words