Standard Lemma guide

hush-hush

adj · noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Secret, not spoken of (or spoken of only in hushed whispers between insiders).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The spy program was very hush-hush: no-one ever spoke of it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

secrecy; covert operation

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adjective satellite

Meaning 3

conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • clandestine intelligence operations
  • cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines
  • hole-and-corner intrigue
  • secret missions
  • a secret agent
  • secret sales of arms
  • surreptitious mobilization of troops
  • an undercover investigation
  • underground resistance

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: clandestine, cloak-and-dagger, hole-and-corner(a), hugger-mugger, secret, surreptitious, undercover, underground

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.