clandestine

adjective

klan-ˈde-stən How to pronounce clandestine (audio)
Definition of clandestinenext
as in undercover
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others I took a clandestine peek at the price tag on the diamond necklace

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word clandestine distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of clandestine are covert, furtive, secret, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

When is it sensible to use covert instead of clandestine?

The words covert and clandestine can be used in similar contexts, but covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When might furtive be a better fit than clandestine?

While the synonyms furtive and clandestine are close in meaning, furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

Where would secret be a reasonable alternative to clandestine?

In some situations, the words secret and clandestine are roughly equivalent. However, secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When can stealthy be used instead of clandestine?

Although the words stealthy and clandestine have much in common, stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

When is surreptitious a more appropriate choice than clandestine?

The meanings of surreptitious and clandestine largely overlap; however, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When could underhanded be used to replace clandestine?

While in some cases nearly identical to clandestine, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

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 clandestine Fentanyl is often made in clandestine laboratories in Mexico, then goes to people who use it in the United States. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Both individuals face charges of overseeing and carrying out various clandestine intelligence tasks in the U.S. on behalf of the Ministry of State Security. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 Hundreds of clandestine detention centers were operating across the country. —Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 The group’s collective clandestine acumen could end celebrity careers, devastate industries, and—among those who practice PR’s darker arts—even topple governments. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clandestine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clandestine
  1. undercover
  2. covert
  3. underground
  4. private
  5. surreptitious
Adjective
  • Watch a sneak peek below, then read on for more: Go undercover and solve local mysteries with Christmas shop owner Emily Lane!
    — Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 July 2025
  • The guy who was in charge of buying apparently used a fake persona; this was very undercover, this is all happening secretly.
    — Peter Balonon-Rosen, Vox, 4 July 2025
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • And Aleesha spontaneously planted a kiss on Luke while celebrating their successful covert operation to get Karina’s laptop.
    — Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 July 2025
  • Further, nations set on developing nuclear weapons can be subject to covert operations or outright military attacks, which can slow them down considerably.
    — Brendan Rascius July 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • As originally proposed, the CTA Super Loop running west from North and Clybourn would have merely grazed Lincoln Yards with an underground station at the far southwestern corner of the tract, North and Elston.
    — F.K. Plous, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • There are several places to park for Scottsdale Canal Convergence: Scottsdale Waterfront underground parking garage, 7135 E. Camelback Road.
    — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of underground
Adjective
  • But Bondi and Bongino had a contentious exchange the following day at the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • Ahead of Carroll’s announcement by Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, the east London club confirmed they had been bought by a consortium of prominent Qatari private investors.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Definition of private
Adjective
  • In the evenings, Vincent embarks on a surreptitious love affair with Arthur, a soldier on leave — who's also the son of Vincent's governess.
    — Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • There’s nothing surreptitious about my administration.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025
Definition of surreptitious

Browse Nearby Words

clan
clandestine
clandestinely
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Cite this Entry

“Clandestine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clandestine. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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