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Definition of clearnext
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clear

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verb

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

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clear

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adverb

as in through

Related Words

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
It’s not made explicitly clear if these seemingly sympathetic kids are actually his worst bullies, but Machado-Graner’s eyes, lip twitch, and throat gulp in this short sequence tell a whole story in themselves. Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 20 May 2026 ReconKering, the strategic road map presented by de Meo last month during a Capital Markets Day in Florence, aimed at promoting clearer priorities, better accountability and faster decision-making. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
Verb
During deep sleep, the brain’s glymphatic system clears metabolic waste including proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and research shows even one night of deprivation can increase amyloid deposits in the brain. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026 How the runoff got here Cornyn and Paxton advanced to the May 26 runoff after no candidate cleared 50% on March 3. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Adverb
Set one clear boundary around your time today and follow it so your work stays consistent and controlled. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026 Previous defense secretaries have mainly steered clear of partisan politics and divisive social issues. Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • The old gunslinger makes the most of an AFC without an obvious favorite and rides off after one last trip into the playoffs, this one coming with a postseason win.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Neural activation and event consolidation seem too bureaucratic, even obvious.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The film is stylized to the point of abstraction; the production budget in glitter, tinfoil, transparent plastics, strobes, smoke machines and red or blue lighting gels must have exceeded everything else.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
  • In decades past, researchers have used cruder technology to create transparent eggshells that hatched chicks from plastic films or sacks.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Only in a certain light was the dent visible.
    Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Barker said the scene, in its original cut, was significantly more intense, ultimately forcing him to pull back on certain elements in order to avoid the restrictive rating.
    Scott Shilstone, Deadline, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Thursday’s rainfall was set to give way to a sunny, balmy Friday before temperatures climb throughout the weekend, the National Weather Service said.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • In fact, according to the World Data Center for Meteorology, an agency that is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sacramento is the sunniest place on earth for four consecutive months each year, June through September.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • This finale was written before the cancellation of Gen V, so a conclusive ending was not written for them, hence the future storylines this will set up.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • No Americans have had a conclusive positive test result.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • An expansive front lawn with unobstructed views of Lake Huron greets visitors and guests.
    Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
  • Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps the home, while eight private balconies offer unobstructed views of the Nashville skyline.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • These armed hostilities have maimed, mutilated and killed millions of human beings — many of them innocent civilians.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • Becerra may have been an innocent victim, but $120,000 a year is a lot of money to pay someone to babysit a largely unused stack of cash.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever political direction Democrats plan to take their party in two years at their National Convention to elect a presidential nominee, Denver offers a shining example of what a city looks like when governance goes right for many decades, led by heart and hard work.
    The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 5 May 2026
  • So naturally in a state that treats basketball like a religion and the sport’s biggest stars like royalty, nobody casts a bigger shadow in this community now than the slender 6-foot-6, 196-pound, 19-year-old freshman who changed Final Four weekend with one brilliant shining moment Sunday afternoon.
    Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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