C2adjectiveformalrelationshipscrime
US/ˌsɜːr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs/
UK/ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs/
done secretly or quickly so that other people do not notice
In context
She took a surreptitious glance at her phone during the meeting.
They exchanged surreptitious smiles across the crowded room.
The journalist made a surreptitious recording of the private conversation.
Words that go with surreptitious
adjective + noun
- surreptitious glanceHe gave the clock a surreptitious glance.
- surreptitious lookThe boy took a surreptitious look at his neighbor's answers.
- surreptitious recordingA surreptitious recording was used as evidence.
- surreptitious movementThe guard noticed a surreptitious movement near the door.
- surreptitious smileA surreptitious smile crossed her face.