CLANDESTINE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: When could 'underhanded' be used to replace 'clandestine'?

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

clandestine

adjective

klan-ˈde-stən

Definition of clandestine next

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

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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 What are the odds the seedy motel’s lone security camera had a perfect angle on that clandestine meet-up? —

Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 31 Jan. 2025 In the clandestine operation, Cal Fire planted an investigator at the utility’s offices posing as an architecture student to draw up floor plans for the upcoming raid. —

Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025 For Fawzi, the trip to identify his brother’s body marked the end of a clandestine life. —

Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 For months she was moved among clandestine torture centers. —

Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clandestine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clandestine

Adjective

The series also highlighted how Illinois statutes provide a degree of protection to politicians. To prosecute their case, the feds brought charges against Madigan after extensive wiretapping and cooperation from two undercover moles, former 25th Ward Ald.

— Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
In May 2023, an undercover police officer went into the Schenectady deli and grocery where Alaidrus was working behind the counter.

— Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025