clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈkler-ə-ˌfī 
ˈkla-rə-
clarified; clarifying
1
: to make understandable
clarify a subject
The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.
2
: to free of confusion
needs time to clarify his thoughts
3
: to make (a liquid or something liquefied) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter
clarify syrup
: to become clear
waiting for the present muddled diplomatic situation to clarify—
Newsweek
Newsweek
Examples of clarify in a Sentence
Can you clarify exactly what it is you're proposing?
Her explanation did not clarify matters much.
The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.
The committee clarified the manager's duties.
a substance used to clarify wine
Recent Examples on the Web
In May 2018, Starbucks clarified that non-paying customers were also welcome to use its facilities.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
Bob clarified that all the traitors agreed a housewife should go and that Dorinda would be the first.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 14 Jan. 2025
The spokesperson clarified that Willis had not granted permission for the song's use at rallies because it was not legally required.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
The exact number of prisoners to be released will be determined only after Hamas clarifies which of the hostages to be released are alive, the official said.
—Barak Ravid, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for clarify 
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Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
Bob clarified that all the traitors agreed a housewife should go and that Dorinda would be the first.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 14 Jan. 2025
The spokesperson clarified that Willis had not granted permission for the song's use at rallies because it was not legally required.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
The exact number of prisoners to be released will be determined only after Hamas clarifies which of the hostages to be released are alive, the official said.
—Barak Ravid, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for clarify
Dictionary Entries Near clarify
Cite this Entry
“Clarify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarify. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈklar-ə-ˌfī
clarified; clarifying
1
: to make or become pure or clear
clarify a liquid
2
: to make or become easier to understand
clarify a statement
Medical Definition
clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈklar-ə-ˌfī
clarified; clarifying
: to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter
clarify sewage
: to become clear
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