furtive
Done in shadows
Furtive describes actions done secretly, with an air of guilt or the intent to avoid notice.
A furtive glance is quick and sly.
Furtive movements suggest someone trying not to be caught.
The word carries connotations of sneakiness or shame—even innocent acts become suspicious when done furtively: He cast a furtive look at her phone.
Done secretly, avoiding detection
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
underhand · hush-hush · cloak-and-dagger · closeted · private · confidential · hushed · muted
Feeling guilt and disgrace
- sheepishEmbarrassed and timid
- hangdogShamefaced and defeated
- shiftySeeming dishonest or evasive
- red-handedCaught mid-crime
caught · culpable · remorseful · conscience-stricken · self-conscious · embarrassed · chagrined · abashed
Moving furtively, covertly
- lurkingConcealed and watchful
- prowlingMoving stealthily while hunting
- creepingMoving slowly, stealthily
- slinkingMoving with furtive stealth
tiptoeing · sidling · darting · scurrying · shadowing · tailing · stalking · watchful
Made invisible deliberately
- veiledConcealed or obscured
- maskedHaving face covered
- disguisedConcealed true identity
- camouflagedVisually hidden by coloring
obscured · shrouded · cloaked · unseen · unnoticed · undetected · invisible · buried
Moving with speed
- briefShort in duration
- momentaryLasting very briefly
- passingMoving by or temporary
- stolenTaken unlawfully
hasty · hurried · swift · rapid · flash · glimpse · glance · peek
Cleverly deceptive
- craftyCleverly deceptive
- wilySkilled at deception
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
devious · underhanded · duplicitous · artful · guileful · conniving · tricky · subtle
surreptitious
Done secretly, avoiding detection
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
sneaky · underhand · hush-hush · cloak-and-dagger · closeted · private · confidential · hushed · muted · whispered
ashamed
Feeling guilt and disgrace
red-handed · caught · culpable · remorseful · conscience-stricken · self-conscious · embarrassed · chagrined · abashed · uncomfortable
skulking
Moving furtively, covertly
- lurkingConcealed and watchful
- prowlingMoving stealthily while hunting
- creepingMoving slowly, stealthily
slinking · tiptoeing · sidling · darting · scurrying · shadowing · tailing · stalking · watchful · wary
concealed
Made invisible deliberately
camouflaged · obscured · shrouded · cloaked · unseen · unnoticed · undetected · invisible · buried · latent
quick
Moving with speed
stolen · hasty · hurried · swift · rapid · flash · glimpse · glance · peek · dart
sly
Cleverly deceptive
calculating · devious · underhanded · duplicitous · artful · guileful · conniving · tricky · subtle · insidious
- concealmentconceal, hiding, concealing, concealed, hide
- cunningcunning, craftiness, crafty, guile, slyness
- secretssecrecy, secret, trade secret, secrets, confidential
- stealthsneak, ninja, creep, spy, skulk
- discretiondiscreet, discretion, subtle, understated, unobtrusive
- deceptionlie, lies, lying, fake, fraud
furtiveopen
Not closed
overt · unconcealed · public · undisguised · aboveboard
furtiveforthright
Directly honest in manner
frank · candid · straightforward · direct · honest
- furtive glanceSecretive quick look