clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈklir-lē 

1

: in a clear manner

speaking clearly

2

: it is clear

clearly, a new approach is needed

Synonyms of clearly

• certainly
• definitely
• surely
• sure
• probably
• really

Examples of clearly in a Sentence

You should try to speak more clearly.

The mountain was clearly visible in the distance.

The problem is very clearly getting worse.

“A new approach is needed.” “Clearly.”

“The current method isn't working.” “Clearly not.”

Recent Examples on the Web

By contrast, Trump’s domestic use of military forces over the past year has more clearly crossed a line by putting the apolitical military in the middle of partisan conflicts. —Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025

Turns out, glimpses of it were seen clearly in Kansas City. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025

Growth has taken place within the halls of Runway, clearly. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025

Wahlberg cheekily asked the screaming crowd, who clearly had no trouble abandoning all those other groups to commit to New Kids on the Block once and for all. —Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clearly

• dearly
• merely
• nearly
• queerly
• yearly
• austerely
• severely
• sincerely
• cavalierly

Kids Definition

clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈkli(ə)r-lē 

1

: in a clear manner

was clearly visible

2

: without doubt or question

clearly something had to be done