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clear

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verb

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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 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

Examples 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
The answer is clear with each passing loss to a quality opponent: the Knicks need to make a trade. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025 Though fire is not often as urgent as water damage, one thing is clear: early and swift action, as in the case of the Getty Villa, is key. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Meadows said the last fire department unit cleared just before 5:15 a.m. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2025 Keep scrolling to check out more handy tools at Amazon to keep your sidewalks open and your windshields clear this winter. Toni Sutton, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adverb
That’s because inflammation helps your body clear damaged and dead tissue and harmful organisms like bacteria, Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and clinical specialist at Origin, told Health. Korin Miller, Health, 4 July 2024 Some international investors have also steered clear over concerns about U.S.-China tensions. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clear 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • Her clown-like, bright blue eye shadow, crystal tear and red-and-black wig made for the perfect beauty complement to her plunging red Celine gown.
    Brittany Talarico, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • To go with her white Gucci slip dress, with crystal spaghetti straps and girly bow detail, Fanning wore her hair in a voluminous pigtail style that looks time-warped right from the 1960s.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Making obvious your goal of understanding is a powerful way of creating goodwill.
    Kurt Gray, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
  • To be sure, there are obvious benefits to Israel in the first phase of the agreement.
    The Editors, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Freeman was confident in Love’s prep the day before the game.
    Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Still, the World Health Organization aims to eliminate the disease by 2030, and officials at the Carter Center are confident that the scourge of Guinea worm disease will be over even sooner.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Some can withstand the sunny locations but some shade is best.
    Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Mallorca, Spain Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Island, is famed for its sunny clime and beaches.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cornell research found cycle thresholds, or Ct levels, higher than 35 in the sample, which indicates low viral levels; typically, experts look for levels under 20 as conclusive evidence that the virus is circulating.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
  • No conclusive proof that Musk is Dittmann appears to have emerged.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • They have been used before in crowded city centers in Europe to take innocent lives and spread fear.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • What does that have to do with innocent bystander Zac Efron?
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Fullerton College’s Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems provides a shining example of how community colleges can meet the demands of a changing workforce.
    Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Before this iteration of Shelley's tale, the first modern version of the myth, there hadn't been a horror film that so graphically indulged in gore and violence, in bright and shining color photography no less.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Nora Mac’s, a traditional Irish pub and restaurant, opened quietly in late December in Ballantyne.
    Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
  • This all happened while stressing the importance of a quick turnaround to ensure the Titans open their new stadium in 2027 to sellout crowds.
    Mike Jones, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near clear

Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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