Gloss · Words · Clandestine vs surreptitious

Clandestine vs surreptitious

Clandestine is secret by design. Surreptitious is sneaky in the moment.

The difference

Clandestine describes things that are organized to stay hidden: a clandestine meeting, a clandestine operation, a clandestine affair. The scale is usually bigger and the secrecy is the point. Surreptitious describes a single sly act, often small: a surreptitious glance at the phone, a surreptitious second biscuit. The person is trying not to be seen doing it, right now.

Clandestine

Kept secret, usually because it is not allowed.

They held clandestine meetings in the cellar.

Clandestine, explained six ways

Surreptitious

Done secretly, so no one notices.

She took a surreptitious look at her watch.

Surreptitious, explained six ways

Which one to use

Clandestine for the plan. Surreptitious for the glance.

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