as in legally
according to the rules or the law
it was a cleanly fought match, so you have no grounds for complaint
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sanitary
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cleanly
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 May 2026
His stance runs counter to many other countries that are embracing using wind turbines at sea to help meet a growing demand for electricity cleanly.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023
Ripa smiled at the camera with cleanly arched eyebrows, long eyelashes and long blonde locks that fell past her shoulders.
—Jill Lupupa, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Adverb
Right wing back Jonathan Ricketts beat his man to bring down the ball cleanly before slotting a low pass into the six-yard box for Amang to strike the ball into an empty net.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 May 2026
His stance runs counter to many other countries that are embracing using wind turbines at sea to help meet a growing demand for electricity cleanly.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
Among the 21 artists are Julia Chon and Dave Young Kim, who offer cleanly hard-edge paintings of, respectively, a woman in traditional garb and two storks below two strands of barbed wire.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023
Ripa smiled at the camera with cleanly arched eyebrows, long eyelashes and long blonde locks that fell past her shoulders.
—Jill Lupupa, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanly
Adverb
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That distinction is still a totally voluntary one to make as it has not yet been legally codified, despite the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association’s guidelines, but major companies like Nikka and Suntory abide by them.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
14 May 2026
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta warning that some vehicles marketed as e-bikes may legally qualify as motorcycles or mopeds under state law.—
Sydney Barragan,
Oc Register,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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For livestock, this would include potable water, sanitary living conditions and access to a windbreak such as a building or tree line.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Results showed 80% of respondents voted no, citing both sanitary and ethical concerns.—
Reia Li,
AZCentral.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That matters, especially after the sterile corporate monotony of the Napier era.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2026
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Run the tap two to three minutes before collecting, use only the sterile bottle provided and keep the sample away from nonstick or treated surfaces.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Not to mention, prepping skin with a brush instead of hands can be more hygienic and gentler on the skin barrier.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
14 May 2026
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Not only is the presentation of these mini desserts adorable, but personal portions are also more hygienic and easier for the host to serve.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Recently, marinated, raw tuna cubes sat on top of a creamy hazelnut and bean pure while a fatty pork jowl was balanced by a tart salsa verde and sprigs of purslane.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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The only risk to consider here is Seattle’s pure dominance at home.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Some are fortunate to have a source of clean water and pipes that ensure that water reaches residents' homes untainted.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
31 Mar. 2026
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Reich acknowledges there's no form of untainted money.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Look for ready-to-use packs of mixed mushrooms and pre-washed baby spinach to make cooking this frittata easy to prepare.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
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This duvet cover gives bedding setups a relaxed yet elevated look with its pre-washed, drapey design.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Since then, more than 1,900 people have flooded the comments section to share their reactions to the wholesome moment.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
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This emphasis on wholesome working-class respectability is heedless of the ’60s rushing toward them, a decade that, by 1958, the other counselors have prematurely embraced.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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