clar·i·fy
ˈkler-ə-ˌfī 
ˈkla-rə-
clarified; clarifying
1
: to make understandable
clarify a subject
The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.
2
: to free of confusion
needs time to clarify his thoughts
3
: to make (a liquid or something liquefied) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter
clarify syrup
: to become clear
… waiting for the present muddled diplomatic situation to clarify …—
Newsweek
Newsweek
clar·i·fi·er
ˈkler-ə-ˌfīr
ˈkla-rə-,
-ˌfī-ər
plural -s
: one that clarifies: such as
a
: one that filters a substance (as paint, varnish, or wine) to remove impurities
b
: one that purifies oleo stock by straining and skimming it while it is heated in a tank
c
: one that changes the filters that strain cellulose solution before it is spun into rayon yarn or made into transparent wrapping material
called also filterer
Examples of clarify in a Sentence
Verb
Can you clarify exactly what it is you're proposing?
Her explanation did not clarify matters much.
The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.
The committee clarified the manager's duties.
a substance used to clarify wine
Recent Examples on the Web
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
On market-structure initiatives, the Senate Banking Committee advanced the CLARITY Act on May 14, a bill that aims to settle whether specific tokens fall under SEC or CFTC jurisdiction, clarifying several questions the industry has posed for years.
—
Mike Cahill,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Dutton Ranch star Natalie Alyn Lind is clarifying her character's age.
—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 June 2026
Then, in 2024, state law AB 3233 was adopted, clarifying that cities and counties have the authority to restrict or prohibit oil and gas operations \within their jurisdictions to protect public health and the environment.
—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clarify
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Fruit extracts clarify excess oil and buildup, while a cooling mint complex and menthol deliver a refreshing tingle, leaving your scalp feeling clean, balanced, and freshly reset.
—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
On market-structure initiatives, the Senate Banking Committee advanced the CLARITY Act on May 14, a bill that aims to settle whether specific tokens fall under SEC or CFTC jurisdiction, clarifying several questions the industry has posed for years.
—
Mike Cahill,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Dutton Ranch star Natalie Alyn Lind is clarifying her character's age.
—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 June 2026
Then, in 2024, state law AB 3233 was adopted, clarifying that cities and counties have the authority to restrict or prohibit oil and gas operations \within their jurisdictions to protect public health and the environment.
—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clarify
Cite this Entry
“Clarify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarify. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈklar-ə-ˌfī
clarified; clarifying
1
: to make or become pure or clear
clarify a liquid
2
: to make or become easier to understand
clarify a statement
Medical Definition
clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈklar-ə-ˌfī
clarified; clarifying
: to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter
clarify sewage
: to become clear
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