Quick answer
surreptitious means kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of. It is usually pronounced sur-ep-TISH-us, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
surreptitious
surreptitious describes someone or something that is kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of. It belongs to pompous and grandiloquent words and works best in formal mockery, pompous speeches, and sentences that want impressive weight. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
pompousformalgrandiloquent
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is surreptitious, it is kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits formal mockery, pompous speeches, and sentences that want impressive weight so well.
Why this word feels absurd
surreptitious feels absurd because it sounds slightly overengineered, as if English kept bolting on syllables until the word itself became part of the performance.
Origin and history
surreptitious is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
surreptitious is still used today, though it often turns up in more formal, literary, or analytical writing than in casual conversation.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively surreptitious.
- One surreptitious remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a surreptitious uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His surreptitious tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is surreptitious.
When should you use this word?
Use surreptitious when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in formal mockery, pompous speeches, and sentences that want impressive weight.
Similar words
bloviation, bombast, calcified, contumelious, coruscating
Opposite or contrasting words
plain speech, brevity, simplicity
Common questions
- What does surreptitious mean? kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
- How do you pronounce surreptitious? It is commonly pronounced sur-ep-TISH-us.
- Is surreptitious still used today? surreptitious is still used today, though it often turns up in more formal, literary, or analytical writing than in casual conversation.
- When should you use surreptitious? Use surreptitious when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in formal mockery, pompous speeches, and sentences that want impressive weight.
- What words are similar to surreptitious? Similar words include bloviation, bombast, calcified, and contumelious.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.