UNDER-THE-COUNTER Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

under-the-counter

adjective

Definition of under-the-counter

as in under-the-table

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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.

Recent Examples of under-the-counter Behind the bar, crammed into a small station barely wide enough for one person, were two rice cookers, a combination oven, an induction burner and an under-the-counter fridge. — Priya Krishna, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 By night, his father would lend him his binoculars to spy on women through their windows, filling in any gaps in his anatomical understanding with whatever under-the-counter girly magazines had managed to wiggle through Italy’s draconian censorship. — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2024 Filtering your water If PFAS levels are concerning, consumers can purchase an under-the-counter water filter for their tap. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for under-the-counter

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

Definition of under-the-table

Adjective

The $30-a-month cutoff may be tied to concerns that plans with no or low monthly premiums are easier for bad agents to target for unauthorized enrollments because the policyholder may never get a bill.

— Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Those legitimate features can create opportunities for criminals who gain unauthorized access to an account.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

New York state sued Kalshi and Polymarket this year, claiming that the companies each ran unlicensed sports gambling businesses.

— Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Professional psychologists have cautioned the public against using unlicensed AI chatbots as therapists.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of unlicensed

Browse Nearby Words

undertakings

under-the-counter

under the influence

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Style

“Under-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/under-the-counter. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of under-the-counter

adjective

Example Sentences

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