1
Secret action
Performed quietly to escape observation.
Example
A surreptitious recording captured the private exchange.
surreptitious
/ˌsʌrəpˈtɪʃəs/ · sur-up-TISH-uhsadjective
Done secretly to avoid notice or disapproval.
Use surreptitious for a concealed action whose performer does not want others to observe it.
What surreptitious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Concealed transfer
Moved or exchanged without authorisation.
Example
The documents were removed in a surreptitious operation.
3
Discreet glance or signal
Briefly hidden from nearby observers.
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at the notes.
Use surreptitious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
A surreptitious recording captured the private exchange.
The documents were removed in a surreptitious operation.
She took a surreptitious glance at the notes.
Precision Matters
Surreptitious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
surreptitious
vs.Is deliberately concealed.
explicit
Is directly stated.
surreptitious
vs.Concerns hidden action.
obscure
Concerns unclear meaning or visibility.
surreptitious
vs.May be secret without being wicked.
nefarious
Is explicitly wicked or criminal.
surreptitious
vs.Avoids notice.
conspicuous
Is easily noticed—the contrast.
Test surreptitious in Context
The recording is deliberately concealed to avoid detection.
1
Knowing that photography was prohibited, the visitor made a ___ recording by hiding a camera inside a bag.