Clandestine
hardklan-DES-tin
adjective
Definition
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit
Examples
“The couple had a clandestine meeting at midnight.”
“Clandestine activities by foreign agents were uncovered.”
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
surreptitious
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
stealthy
Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner
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
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
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