clandestine

[klan-des-tin]

adjective

1. characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, especially for purposes of subversion or deception; private or surreptitious.

   Their clandestine meetings went undiscovered for two years.

   Synonyms: illicit, confidential, underhand, hidden

clandestine

/ klænˈdɛstɪn /

adjective

1. secret and concealed, often for illicit reasons; furtive

Other Word Forms

• clandestinely adverb
• clandestineness noun
• clandestinity noun
• unclandestinely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of clandestine¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin clandestīnus, from clamde, clande (unrecorded) (variant of clam “secretly” + -de, adverb particle) + -stīnus (probably after intestīnus “internal”; intestine )

Word History and Origins

Origin of clandestine¹

C16: from Latin clandestīnus, from clam secretly; related to Latin celāre to hide

Example Sentences

Drake has accused UMG of both defamation and running a clandestine campaign to boost “Not Like Us” at the expense of his own reputation and career.

From Los Angeles Times

Her clandestine involvement with her father’s close friend and literary agent, whose wife is dying of cancer, implodes, leaving her a bitter “other woman” living her own soap opera.

From Los Angeles Times

Hauliers found to be carrying an illegal migrant can face a fine of up to £10,000 for each "clandestine entrant".

From BBC

The release said the warrant was for “those who participate in clandestinely bringing weapons, ammunition, cartridges, explosives into the country; and those who manufacture weapons, ammunition, cartridges, and explosives without the corresponding permit.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said secrecy was key in everything from where other parts of the network got the animals - "we really don't need to know" - to the clandestine releases.

From BBC

Related Words

• covert 
• fraudulent 
• furtive 
• hidden 
• hush-hush 
• illicit 
• surreptitious 
• underground