stealthy

American  

[stel-thee] / ˈstɛl θi /

adjective

stealthier, stealthiest

1. done, characterized, or acting by stealth; furtive.

   stealthy footsteps.

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ˈstealthy British  

/ ˈstɛlθɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by great caution, secrecy, etc; furtive

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Other Word Forms

• stealthily adverb
• stealthiness noun
• unstealthiness noun
• unstealthy adjective

Etymology

Origin of stealthy

First recorded in 1595–1605; stealth + -y ¹

Example Sentences

This matters because the cutter and battleship could divert resources and focus from crucial priorities such as more stealthy submarines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both jets can conduct aerial combat and surface-attack missions, and feature stealthy airframe designs and materials to reduce their radar signature.

From The Wall Street Journal

There, Erikson teased out the stealthy, almost sinister peculiarities of modern man-made hazards, like radioactivity and toxicity, and their special, traumatic effects.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the years pass, she lets the shadows inside Kayleen emerge with stealthy subtlety.

From The Wall Street Journal

Israeli officials are worried that sales to the kingdom would open the door to others, such as Turkey, that have made clear their aspirations for the stealthy and highly networked plane.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• crafty