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Synonyms

covertly

American  
[koh-vert-lee, koh-vert-] / ˈkoʊ vərt li, koʊˈvərt- /

adverb

  1. in a way that is concealed or disguised; secretly.

    The witness alleges that the FBI asked him to covertly record conversations with his boss in a bid to tie him to a criminal hacking conspiracy.


Etymology

Origin of covertly

covert ( def. ) + -ly


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Earlier that month, he had begun covertly sharing information with Ukrainian intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

In November 2020, Indian government investigators found hidden bore holes where the operator of the United Marine Products fishmeal plant in Goa had been covertly disposing of toxic waste, thereby contaminating groundwater.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

The manufacturers say the titanium-framed machines can be used to enter hostile territory covertly as they are more difficult to detect by radar or sound than traditional aircraft.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

When the film opens at Oak Street’s idyllic summer block party, complete with cookouts and kids happily pedaling together on their bikes, he purposefully evokes the atmosphere of the movies he covertly cites.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026

We waited covertly in the shadows until there was a gap in the traffic and then clumped up the old wooden steps, worn smooth by years of traffic.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

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