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Definition of clandestinely
clandestinely
/klænˈdɛs.tɪn.li/
clan · des · tine · ly
Adjective:clandestine
clandestinely Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
11
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
4
clandestinely Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adverb
1
In a secret, concealed, or illicit manner, often to avoid official notice or detection.
Example
"The manuscripts were printed clandestinely and distributed to scholars across the border."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for clandestinely Antonyms
View all antonyms for clandestinely• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from the adjective 'clandestine' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The base word comes from Latin 'clandestinus', meaning 'secret' or 'hidden', derived from 'clam' ('secretly').
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clandestinely. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clandestinely