covert
Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: furtive, surreptitious, clandestine
adjective
Definition of covert
hidden or concealed; not openly practiced
Synonyms for covert
covert in a Sentence
- The spy was involved in several covert missions.
Why covert Matters for GRE & SAT
"covert" is a adjective that means "hidden or concealed; not openly practiced" closely related to words like "furtive", "surreptitious", "clandestine". As a word starting with C, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "covert" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "covert" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "covert" into long-term memory.
How to Remember covert
One effective way to remember "covert" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "furtive" and "surreptitious" and "clandestine". When you encounter "covert" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "hidden or concealed; not openly practiced".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "covert" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with C
- cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
- cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
- callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
- callow — young and inexperienced; immature
- calumny — slander and defamation
- candid — Truthful and straightforward; frank
- candid — honest; without deception
- candor — The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness
- canny — shrewd and cautious
- canonize — treat like a god; deeply venerate