Synonyms

secretly

American

[see-krit-lee] / ˈsi krɪt li /

adverb

in a way that is kept from the knowledge of others or is designed to escape their notice.

He later discovered that the couple had secretly married in a discreet ceremony six months ago.
Many of the wood and stone looks you see in homes every day are secretly vinyl flooring.

Other Word Forms

nonsecretly adverb
quasi-secretly adverb
semisecretly adverb
ultrasecretly adverb
unsecretly adverb

Etymology

Origin of secretly

secret ( 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.

She asked to meet secretly with Maggie Fox in New York.

From Literature

Still, when J.D. finds out Turk’s interns secretly refer to him as Dr. Bummer, he realizes his Big Dog may be burying some of his pain.

From Salon

Then he secretly purchases a passel of tortoises; constructs a long-handled grabber; leans down from his balcony; extracts Alfie; and, each week, substitutes a slightly heavier impostor.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Journal reported in April 2020 that the U.S. was concerned that China might be secretly conducting nuclear tests at its Lop Nor site.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Maybe he’s secretly working for the government,” Jonah said.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023