Skip to content

What is another word for Clandestine? – 202 Clandestine Synonyms

    Need another word for Clandestine? Use these synonyms of Clandestine from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    secret covert stealthy surreptitious furtive clandestine hidden concealed private confidential undercover underground illicit illegal unlawful unauthorized sneaky sly deceptive dishonest fraudulent mysterious obscure vague ambiguous evasive secretive discreet subtle cryptic encrypted veiled shrouded masked camouflaged disguised incognito anonymous unnamed unknown covertly secretly privately confidentially quietly unnoticed unobserved unseen invisible hiddenly furtively stealthily surreptitiously.

    Meaning of Clandestine

    The primary meaning of the word "Clandestine" refers to something done secretly or covertly, often because it is illegal or against the rules.

    Definitions

    • Done or conducted secretly, often because it is illegal or against the rules
    • Kept or done in secret, often because it is illegal or against the rules
    • Secret or hidden, often in a way that is considered wrong or dishonest

    Etymology of Clandestine

    The word "Clandestine" originates from the Latin word "clandestinus," meaning "secret" or "hidden," which is derived from "clam," meaning "in secret" or "stealthily," and the suffix "-estinus," which forms an adjective indicating a place or condition.
    Historically, the term has been used to describe secret or covert activities, such as clandestine meetings, clandestine operations, or clandestine relationships.

    Example Uses

    • The organization was involved in clandestine activities, secretly funding rebel groups in the war-torn country.
    • The couple had a clandestine relationship, keeping it hidden from their friends and family.
    • The government agency conducted clandestine operations, gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance without being detected.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    open public visible observable noticeable transparent honest lawful legitimate authorized official overt aboveboard straightforward direct explicit clear obvious apparent evident manifest declared acknowledged admitted confessed revealed exposed disclosed uncovered unprotected unguarded unconcealed unhidden unmasked undisguised uncamouflaged.

    Related Nouns

    secrecy concealment privacy confidentiality covertness stealth furtiveness surreptitiousness clandestinity hiddenness obscurity vagueness ambiguity evasiveness secretiveness discreetness subtlety cryptness encryption veil shroud mask camouflage disguise incognito anonymity unknownness invisibility unobservedness unnoticedness unseenness invisibleness.

    Related Verbs

    hide conceal cover mask disguise camouflage encrypt veil shroud sneak creep steal shroud obscure vague ambiguate evade avoid secret keep conceal confine restrict limit protect guard watch observe notice detect discover uncover reveal expose disclose confess admit acknowledge declare reveal.

    Related Adjectives

    secret hidden concealed private confidential covert stealthy surreptitious furtive clandestine illicit illegal unlawful unauthorized sneaky sly deceptive dishonest fraudulent mysterious obscure vague ambiguous evasive secretive discreet subtle cryptic encrypted veiled shrouded masked camouflaged disguised incognito anonymous unknown invisible unobserved unseen unnoticed.