What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
covert
Example
The spy carried out a covert operation to gather intelligence. [covert: adjective]
Example
The company's plans for expansion were kept covert to avoid competition. [covert: noun]
surreptitious
Example
He made a surreptitious glance at his watch during the meeting. [surreptitious: adjective]
Example
She took a surreptitious sip of her drink when no one was looking. [surreptitious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Covert is more commonly used than surreptitious in everyday language. Covert is often used in the context of military or intelligence operations, while surreptitious can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between covert and surreptitious?
Both covert and surreptitious are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, surreptitious can have a negative connotation of being sneaky or underhanded, which may make it less appropriate for very formal situations.
