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clear

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verb

1
as in to open
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way the early settlers worked hard to clear the land for crops

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as in to pay
to give what is owed for finally cleared the last debt

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as in to empty
to remove the contents of cleared a drawer so there would be a place to store his clothes

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as in to smooth
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions plows promptly cleared the roads of snow

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as in to earn
to receive after charges and deductions have been made cleared enough from that stock transaction to be able to afford a new luxury automobile

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clear

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adverb

as in through

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective clear contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clear are limpid, translucent, and transparent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When could limpid be used to replace clear?

Although the words limpid and clear have much in common, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

When can translucent be used instead of clear?

The synonyms translucent and clear are sometimes interchangeable, but translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

When would transparent be a good substitute for clear?

While the synonyms transparent and clear are close in meaning, transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clear
Adjective
This was made dramatically clear with the booming success of ChatGPT. Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 In December 2023, more than 25,000 pounds of boneless chicken bites were recalled following the discovery of clear, hard plastic fragments. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
Daniels and Nix also cleared the 45 percent mark last year. Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 If Emerson bursts onto the scene to begin the season, there's a chance the Mariners are shopping Crawford at the deadline in order to cut spending and clear a spot for their top prospect. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Adverb
And More Everton did create a few chances against Aston Villa, but none were clear cut and none resulted in a goal. James Nalton, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Political analysts said the report’s findings would traditionally spell doom for a politician, but in today’s environment, his future isn’t clear cut, particularly if Gaetz continues to have Trump’s backing. Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for clear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • Dive your way around the island Courtesy of the Curaçao Tourist Board With more than 70 dive sites, crystal blue water, vibrant coral, and unique biodiversity, Curaçao is a haven for scuba divers.
    Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The skirt alone contains 190,000 crystal sequin and rhinestone embellishments, giving the entire piece a sweeping dress as Grande moves.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The crony character of protectionism becomes obvious when examining the labyrinthine incoherence of U.S. trade policy.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Find the right dog kennel site This may seem obvious, but good site selection can mean the difference between a single workday and an entire holiday weekend.
    Patrick Brady, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Good teams feel confident regardless of the day’s starting pitcher.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Jean looked confident and composed in dispatching the much more experienced Berkhamov.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Later in April, Sacramento will likely see sunny and warm weather with above-normal temperatures, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The beer garden and front patio are both excellent places to soak up the sunny weather and sip a cold one. 3keysbrewing.com; 2505 Manatee Ave.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nor is there any conclusive evidence on dosing and timing for supplements.
    Sarah Anzlovar, MS, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Stone, as he's done before without providing conclusive evidence, took aim at the Central Intelligence Agency.
    Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The show follows an innocent father (Worthington) serving life in prison for the murder of his own son.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2025
  • At first, his relationship with Claire seemed innocent enough.
    Christina Pérez, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The real shining gem of Pokémon's eighth generation was Legends: Arceus.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Sure, the Currys should get another stab at it on Monday, when the Warriors make their annual trek to Charlotte and Steph Curry’s yearly shining moment in uptown takes place.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • According to the complaint, about $40 million of the $367 million needed to build NRG Stadium—which opened in 2002—came through the sale of PSLs.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The rock act lands its highest debut on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart, where Rush 50 opens at No. 5.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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