Surreptitiously

/ˌsɜr əpˈtɪʃ əs li/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

In a way that attempts to avoid notice or attention; secretly.

He surreptitiously glanced at his watch during the meeting to check the time.

Done, made, or acquired by stealth; clandestinely.

The documents were surreptitiously copied and sent to the press.

Achieved by means of stealth or deception.

She surreptitiously left the party early to avoid awkward goodbyes.

In a manner that is secretive or covert.

They surreptitiously gathered information about their competitors.

From Latin 'surreptitius', meaning 'stolen', which comes from 'surripere' meaning 'to steal away'.

surreptitious glance

A quick, secret look.

surreptitious behavior

Actions carried out in a hidden or sneaky way.

furtive

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.

clandestine

Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.

Sneaky move

He made a sneaky move to check her phone when she wasn't looking.

Under the radar

She completed the project under the radar to avoid extra scrutiny.