covert - Definition | Dictionary definition of covert

Definition of covert

secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed

"covert actions by the CIA"

"covert funding for the rebels"

Synonyms:: implicit, inexplicit
implied though not directly expressed; inherent in the nature of something; concealed
hidden on any grounds for any motive; invisible, unseeable
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye; backstair, backstairs, furtive
secret and sly or sordid; black
(of intelligence operations) deliberately misleading; clandestine, cloak-and-dagger, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, secret, surreptitious, undercover, underground
conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods; collusive, conniving
acting together in secret toward a fraudulent or illegal end; cloaked, disguised, masked
having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading; behind-the-scenes, sub-rosa, under-the-table
designed and carried out secretly or confidentially; subterranean, subterraneous, ulterior
lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed); under wraps
kept secret; undisclosed, unrevealed
not made known

Antonyms:: overt
open and observable; not secret or hidden; open; explicit, expressed
precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication; public
not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole; unconcealed
not concealed or hidden; bald, barefaced
with no effort to conceal; naked, raw
devoid of elaboration or diminution or concealment; bare and pure; undisguised
plain to see; visible
obvious to the eye; show more antonyms...

(of a wife) being under the protection of her husband

"a woman covert"

a flock of coots

a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something

"the brush provided a covert for game"

Types:: show 4 types...; hide 4 types...; blind
a hiding place sometimes used by hunters (especially duck hunters); camouflage
device or stratagem for concealment or deceit; shoji
a translucent screen made of a wooden frame covered with rice paper; stalking-horse
screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game

Type of:: covering
an artifact that covers something else (usually to protect or shelter or conceal it)