C2adverbformalrelationships
US/ˌsɜːr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs.li/
UK/ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs.li/
secretly and quietly, so that other people do not notice
In context
During the meeting, he surreptitiously checked the football score on his phone.
She surreptitiously wiped away a tear so nobody would see.
The children were surreptitiously eating sweets under the table.
Words that go with surreptitiously
adverb + verb
- surreptitiously checkStudents surreptitiously check their phones under the desk.
- surreptitiously recordThe worker surreptitiously recorded the conversation with his boss.
- surreptitiously takeShe surreptitiously took a photo of the famous singer.
verb + adverb
- glance surreptitiouslyHe glanced surreptitiously at his watch during the speech.
- watch surreptitiouslyThe cat watched surreptitiously from behind the curtain.