under the table

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of under the tablenext
1
: into a stupor
can drink you under the table
2
: in a covert manner
took money under the table

under-the-table

2 of 2

adjective

un·​der-the-ta·​ble ˈən-dər-ṯẖə-ˈtā-bəl How to pronounce under-the-table (audio)
: covert and usually unlawful
under-the-table payoffs

Examples of under the table in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Phrase
Mind you, this was pre-NIL, so anything Spikes earned was all under the table at the time. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Linda Sanchez is the mother of the first-grade boy who hid under the table with his teacher. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
That is, until Russell Crowe’s Warden Clancy offers Murphy an under-the-table deal. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 The Timberwolves were punished so drastically because all sides put the under-the-table arrangement in writing, making the evidence clear. — Eric Nehm, New York Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for under the table

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of under the table was in 1948

Rhymes for under the table

See All Rhymes for under the table

Browse Nearby Words

under the sway of (someone)
under the table
under-the-table
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Under the table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20the%20table. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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