clandestine

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clandestine" is correct and usable in written English.
Clandestine is an adjective which means "done in secret". You can use it to refer to an activity that is meant to remain hidden. Example sentence: The spy was on a clandestine mission to uncover the truth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Myers said there are also plans to repurpose a few of the life-sized figures for a new exhibit on the Underground Railroad, a clandestine pre-war network that transported slaves from the South to freedom in Canada.

The Guardian

"We've been living in a water crisis since 1995," says Cunha, explaining it was only in 2006 that the community's clandestine water connection was made.

The Guardian

Police arrested a woman called Ligia Maria Silva, who reportedly started performing clandestine abortions 20 years ago after carrying out her own.

The Guardian

In Rio the scale of the organisation running clandestine clinics became clear during the police operation.

The Guardian

Her misgivings centre on the inequalities of a clandestine business.

The Guardian

No matter how hard the party leaders strain and push – no matter how many giant limestone tablets they sacrifice in the name of awful garden design – the best they can hope for is an invitation to the clandestine post-election government-forming meetings that will ultimately wreck their reputations and break the hearts of their supporters.

The Guardian

They also say that the clandestine manoeuvres to spy on students, environmentalists, anti-fascists and other campaigners erode free speech and the freedom to protest.

The Guardian

I am currently touring the country rehearsing my Edinburgh Fringe show, Say Sorry to the Lady – if "touring the country" can describe a series of clandestine visits to village halls and Women's Institutes.

The Guardian - Opinion

That without the often morally-questionable clandestine war there would in fact be no peace process, historic compromise and eventual power sharing settlement.

The Guardian

He promised there "will be no differentiation between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban", a reference to the long history of Pakistan's clandestine support for anti-India militant groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The Guardian

It doesn't come close to encompassing the desperation of the escaper, the fear of the clandestine, the boredom of the itinerant, the lung-filled panic of the shipwrecked, the desolation of those who actually make it only to find Europe doesn't want them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clandestine" to describe activities done secretly, often to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. Ensure the context implies deliberate concealment.

Common error

Avoid using "clandestine" when you mean "private". "Clandestine" implies secrecy and often illegality, while "private" simply means not public.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clandestine" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something done secretly or kept secret, often to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usage aligns with established grammatical norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "clandestine" is an adjective used to describe something done secretly, especially to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. It appears very commonly in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. When writing, it's important to use "clandestine" to describe activities done secretly, often to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. Be careful not to confuse it with "private". Related phrases include "covert", "secret", and "surreptitious". The word carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for news reporting and academic analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covert

Emphasizes secrecy and often involves government or military operations.

secret

A general term for something kept hidden or unknown.

surreptitious

Suggests a stealthy or sneaky approach to maintain secrecy.

undercover

Often implies an investigation or operation where someone's true identity is hidden.

furtive

Indicates a shifty or secretive manner, often due to guilt or suspicion.

secretive

Describes someone or something that tends to keep things hidden.

underground

Suggests an illegal or subversive activity.

hidden

A more general term meaning not easily seen or noticed.

unacknowledged

Refers to something not openly admitted or recognized.

unpublicized

Means not made known to the public.

FAQs

How to use "clandestine" in a sentence?

"Clandestine" is an adjective that describes something done secretly, especially because it is illicit. For instance, "The spy was involved in a "clandestine operation"".

What can I say instead of "clandestine"?

You can use alternatives like "covert", "secret", or "surreptitious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "clandestine" or "confidential"?

"Clandestine" implies secrecy, often with an element of illegality or impropriety, while "confidential" simply means private or not intended for general knowledge. Use "confidential" when something is meant to be kept private, and "clandestine" when something is actively hidden.

What's the difference between "clandestine" and "underground"?

"Clandestine" refers to secrecy, while "underground" often suggests a hidden or illegal movement or organization. A clandestine meeting is secret, while an underground organization operates in secrecy.