furtiveness

Definitions

The quality or state of being stealthy, secretive, or sly.

Behavior characterized by an attempt to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.

Examples

The cat moved with a practiced furtiveness as it stalked the mouse through the tall grass.

His sudden furtiveness when asked about the missing documents made everyone in the room suspicious.

Synonyms

stealthiness secrecy slyness covertness clandestineness surreptitiousness sneakiness

Antonyms

openness transparency candor frankness directness forthrightness honesty