clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: a tract of land cleared of wood and brush

3

: the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments especially between banks

Synonyms of clearing

• pardon
• forgiveness
• vindication
• acquittal
• exoneration

Examples of clearing in a Sentence

the clearing of the table

the clearing of wood and brush from part of the forest

We found a clearing in the forest.

Recent Examples on the Web

The frantic search for survivors has long since yielded to the grim spectacle of excavators clearing ruins. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

If breaks develop in the clouds, even a few hours of clearing could provide a good viewing window. — Joe Ruch, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Citi's research supports that view, describing decentralized finance's reliance on an atomic clearing process, meaning delivery and payment happen simultaneously, as a change that cuts counterparty and settlement risk. — Malana Vantyler, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Spotty showers across the region are expected to give way to clearing skies, allowing heat and humidity to build, the weather service said. — Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clearing

• clearing bank

Rhymes for clearing

• cheering
• earing
• earring
• fearing
• gearing
• hearing
• jeering
• leering
• nearing
• peering
• rearing
• searing

Kids Definition

clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: an area of land cleared of wood and brush