furtive

[ˈfɜːɾɪv]adjective

Done secretly and quickly, as if trying to hide something or avoid being noticed.

Example sentence

“She cast a furtive glance at the door before slipping the note into her pocket.”

Almost glued to 'glance': a furtive glance is the signature example. It implies guilt in the sneaking; 'stealthy' can be neutral, furtive rarely is.

Featured as word of the day on March 1, 2026.

Related words

futileHaving no chance of success; pointless to even try.furnitureMovable items such as tables, chairs, and beds that make a room useful or attractive.gadgetA small tool or device, often clever or unusual, especially one whose exact name you can't remember.furnishTo put furniture or necessary equipment into a room or building.gallantImpressive and fine in appearance; splendidly or stylishly dressed.furnaceA machine that produces heat to warm a building.