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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Example Sentences

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

Coleman found instructive a 1938 ruling in favor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who challenged a radio station that placed observers on a rooftop next to Forbes Field and paid them to provide play-by-play for an unauthorized radio broadcast.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Sanchez has been charged with a level five felony of battery involving serious bodily injury, as well as the misdemeanors of battery resulting in injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

The former owner of several unlicensed North Texas boarding homes was sentenced this week to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges tied to the abuse and fatal neglect of elderly and disabled clients in her care.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
He also was involved in high-profile litigation against Suno and Anthropic for unlicensed training and artist-centric deals with TikTok, Hook, NetEase Cloud Music and Roblox, among others.

— Claudia Rosenbaum, HollywoodReporter, 8 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of under-the-counter

adjective

Example Sentences

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