Definition

Adverb: - In a secretive, sly, or stealthy manner: Acting or done in a way intended to avoid being noticed or observed. - In a furtive or underhanded way: Behaving or operating in a deceitful or clandestine fashion.

Usage

The adverb "sneakily" describes how an action is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate the action is done with secrecy or deceit. - It typically comes after the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause. - It describes behavior that is meant to be hidden from view or knowledge.

Examples

• The cat sneakily approached the bird feeder. (The cat moved in a stealthy, secretive way.)
• He sneakily read his sister's diary when she wasn't in the room.
• The software was sneakily collecting user data without clear consent.
• She glanced sneakily at her neighbor's test paper during the exam.

Advanced Usage

• "To do something sneakily": This is a common collocation emphasizing the covert nature of the action.
  • He copied the files sneakily onto a USB drive.
• Used to imply criticism or disapproval of the secretive action.
  • The company sneakily changed the terms of service.

Variants and Related Words

• Sneaky (adjective): Characterized by stealth or secrecy.
  • That was a sneaky trick you played.
• Sneak (noun/verb):
  • Noun: A person who acts in a stealthy or underhanded way.
  • Verb: To move or act in a stealthy way (e.g., He tried to sneak past the guard).

Synonyms

• Stealthily: In a cautious and quiet manner to avoid detection.
• Furtively: In a way that attempts to avoid notice, often suggesting guilt.
• Surreptitiously: In a way that is kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
• Clandestinely: In a secret and often illegal or illicit manner.

Antonyms

• Openly: Without concealment or deception.
• Frankly: In an open, honest, and direct manner.
• Overtly: In a way that is done or shown publicly or obviously.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• On the sly: Doing something secretly, especially something that is not approved of. (This is a close idiomatic equivalent to "sneakily".)
  • He's been seeing her on the sly.

Adverb

1. in a surreptitious manner
   • he was watching her surreptitiously as she waited in the hotel lobby