Synonyms for

Secretly

Verb / ˈsi:krɪtli: / Another word for secretly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others

Synonyms & similar words

ontheqt insecret covertly stealthily clandestinely furtively surreptitiously privately confidentially hush-hush

Synonyms by register

Formal

covertly surreptitiously stealthily clandestinely

Informal

on the sly under the table on the QT hush-hush

Literary

privily unbeknownst

Antonyms

openly publicly frankly honestly visibly overtly transparently

Common collocations

  • secretly meeting
  • secretly hoping
  • secretly married
  • secretly working
  • secretly admired
  • secretly planning
  • secretly watching

Word family

noun secrecy
verb secrete
adjective secret

Usage note

While 'secretly' implies concealment, it can sometimes suggest a mild, harmless deception rather than something illicit. It is generally used in neutral contexts.

Example sentences

  1. She secretly opened the present before Christmas morning.
  2. The kids were secretly planning a surprise party for their mom.
  3. He secretly slipped the note into her backpack.
  4. The spy was secretly gathering information for his country.
  5. She was secretly in love with her best friend.

Quotes

  • The best way of keeping a secret is to pretend there isn't one.
  • The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
  • Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.

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