Definitions

furtive

[fur-tiv] / ˈfɜr tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

sneaky, secretive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clandestine conspiratorial covert surreptitious

WEAK

artful calculating cautious circumspect cloaked crafty creepy cunning disguised elusive evasive foxy guileful hidden hush-hush insidious masked scheming shifty skulking slinking sly stealthy sub-rosa tricky under wraps under-the-table undercover underhand underhanded wily

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard honest open

WEAK

forthright truthful

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.

The frenzied but furtive social scene contradicts the message from Myanmar authorities that the country is back to normal.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

As the temperature heads below freezing, powerful pyrotechnics light up the sky and Tennant does indeed stand in a bush looking furtive, as promised.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

There’s plenty of furtive gags like this throughout “Up in Smoke”: police incompetence, absent parents, anti-war rhetoric and racial stereotypes that function as satire.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

That made it close enough for him to make furtive trips to get belongings from his home.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

She reached into her pocket and, after a furtive glance around, pulled the scale out for Ivan to see.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack

Vocabulary lists containing furtive

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