STEALTHY Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'stealthy' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stealthy are clandestine , covert , furtive , secret , surreptitious , and underhanded . While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing. // the stealthy step of a burglar

Q: When is it sensible to use 'clandestine' instead of 'stealthy'?

The words clandestine and stealthy can be used in similar contexts, but clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered. // a clandestine meeting of conspirators

Q: When might 'covert' be a better fit than 'stealthy'?

The meanings of covert and stealthy largely overlap; however, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared. // covert intelligence operations

Q: When could 'furtive' be used to replace 'stealthy'?

In some situations, the words furtive and stealthy are roughly equivalent. However, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness. // lovers exchanging furtive glances

Q: When can 'secret' be used instead of 'stealthy'?

Although the words secret and stealthy have much in common, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive. // met at a secret location

Q: When is 'surreptitious' a more appropriate choice than 'stealthy'?

The synonyms surreptitious and stealthy are sometimes interchangeable, but surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority. // the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

Q: When would 'underhanded' be a good substitute for 'stealthy'?

The words underhanded and stealthy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, underhanded stresses fraud or deception. // an underhanded trick

stealthy

adjective

ˈstel-thē

Definition of stealthy next

as in shady

given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions cats are among the stealthiest of stalkers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others constantly harassed the enemy with stealthy raids

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stealthy distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stealthy are clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

When is it sensible to use clandestine instead of stealthy?

The words clandestine and stealthy can be used in similar contexts, but clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

When might covert be a better fit than stealthy?

The meanings of covert and stealthy largely overlap; however, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When could furtive be used to replace stealthy?

In some situations, the words furtive and stealthy are roughly equivalent. However, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When can secret be used instead of stealthy?

Although the words secret and stealthy have much in common, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When is surreptitious a more appropriate choice than stealthy?

The synonyms surreptitious and stealthy are sometimes interchangeable, but surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When would underhanded be a good substitute for stealthy?

The words underhanded and stealthy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stealthy Ukraine has said Russia incorporated radar-absorbent carbon material into its infamous Shahed drones, designed by Iran and used extensively against Ukrainian cities since the early months of the war, to make the UAVs more stealthy. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 There's a stealthy inclusion of American cheese, just between us. —

Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 Tokyo has been enhancing its island defense capabilities, including developing a stealthy missile capable of conducting long-range attacks to sink invading warships. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Rachel did not play a flashy game like Tony, a super deceptive game like Boston Rob, a flirty game like Parvati, a stealthy cutthroat game like Dee, or a supremely social game like Kenzie. —

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stealthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stealthy

Adjective

Doe is strictly instructed by Muna not to answer her phone, while arrangements to meet a stranger on the other side to continue their journey sound shady enough even before the man fails to show up.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
One side of the resort might be shady and firm, the other side might be in the sun and soft!

— Gillian Telling, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025