Meaning & Definition of Surreptitious in English

1. Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy

• Taking pains to avoid being observed

• "A furtive manner"

• "A sneak attack"

• "Stealthy footsteps"

• "A surreptitious glance at his watch"

2. Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

• "Clandestine intelligence operations"

• "Cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines"

• "Hole-and-corner intrigue"

• "Secret missions"

• "A secret agent"

• "Secret sales of arms"

• "Surreptitious mobilization of troops"

• "An undercover investigation"

• "Underground resistance"