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Definition of clandestine

clandestine

/klænˈdɛs.tɪn/
clan · des · tine
Adverb:clandestinely
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clandestine Lexical Profile

clandestine Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Kept secret or done secretively, especially because of being illicit, unauthorized, or subversive.

Example

"The investigative journalists uncovered a series of clandestine meetings between the lobbyists and the city council members."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for clandestine

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'secret' is neutral, 'clandestine' typically implies that something is hidden because it is illicit, unauthorized, or subversive, whereas 'surreptitious' emphasizes stealthy execution to avoid immediate detection.

• Rhymes for clandestine

• Nearby Words

clamshell
clamshell falls
clan
clandestine
clandestinely
clang
clangbox

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century via French from Latin 'clandestinus' (secret, hidden), derived from the adverb 'clam' meaning 'secretly', which is related to the verb 'celare' (to hide).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clandestine. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clandestine
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