Clandestine
hardNegative toneklan-DES-tin
adjective
Definition
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit
Memory hook
CLAN-DESTINE: a secret CLAN meeting at their DESTINY - illicit activities done in shadows.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The couple had a clandestine meeting at midnight.”
“Clandestine activities by foreign agents were uncovered.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The couple had a ______ meeting at midnight.”
Show answer
clandestine
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Clandestine is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "covert" or "surreptitious" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "overt".
Related GRE Words
stealthy
Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner
surreptitious
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
covert
Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret
furtive
Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble
veiled
Partially concealed or disguised
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
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