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
If any exposure to radiation poses a risk, then minimizing it is the clearest way to protect the health of people who work with radioactive substances.—ArsTechnica,
6 July 2026 The support someone needs from you may work better with a clear limit attached.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 July 2026
Verb
When the rain cleared, an American flag that covered most of the outfield was unfurled during the national anthem, and the fog slowly crept in.—
Andy Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026 Lopez came up with two outs and lined a two-run shot that narrowly cleared the left field wall.—Miami Herald,
5 July 2026
Adverb
In the past, doctors steered clear of transplanting organs for people with HIV.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2026 From there, a weekly check-in and clear-out ensures nothing slips through the cracks.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear
The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years.
—
Ashley Mowreader,
NBC news,
3 July 2026
This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.
Many caftans come in dainty, transparent styles, so coordinate your sheer number with the pieces underneath—whether that's your swimwear or basics from your everyday closet is your choice.
—
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
Companies that build responsible, transparent approaches to audience understanding will be better positioned for long-term success.
Exploring the recent opportunity Baird is confident Innio will be able to lead and set the highest price target at $50.
—
Assiatou Hann,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
Speaking of golf, a confident politician or a confident reporter, for that matter, should walk like a golfer coming down the fairway on the 18th hole with a three-stroke lead in a major tournament.
See how designer Hattie Sparks Collins gave her in-laws' new build to a sunny dose of gathering-place nostalgia.
—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
30 June 2026
For a city often known first for its beaches, nightlife, and warm, sunny weather, the findings highlight just how far the Florida city's dining scene has come.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2026
Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
That law predates the much wider United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which took effect in 1994, giving ships the right of innocent passage through any country's territorial waters without paying a fee.
At a time of so much partisanship in Congress, especially related to health care, breakthrough legislation is a shining example of how commonsense policies that support patient care and innovation can achieve broad support.
—
Josh Makower,
STAT,
16 Mar. 2026
Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life.