Clandestine often substitutes for secret and covert, and it is commonly applied to actions that involve secrecy maintained for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose, as in "clandestine …

CLANDESTINE definition: 1. planned or done in secret, especially describing something that is not officially allowed: 2…. Learn more.

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

Definition of clandestine adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Clandestine, an adjective imported from Latin, describes a secret, usually illegal activity. Often these things have to do with political and spy organizations.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 clan•des•tine (klan des′ tin), adj. characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, esp. …

May 29, 2025 · clandestine (comparative more clandestine, superlative most clandestine) Done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. synonyms quotations

Something that is clandestine is hidden or kept secret, often because it is illegal.

How is the word clandestine distinct from other similar adjectives? Some common synonyms of clandestine are covert, furtive, secret, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded.

held or done in secrecy or concealment, esp. for purposes of subversion or deception; stealthy or surreptitious: clandestine meetings.