SINCE 1828
clear
adjective
\ ˈklir
\
\
Definition of clear
(Entry 1 of 4)
a
: free from blemishes
clear skin
b
: easily seen through : transparent
clear glass clear plastic bags
c
: free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
3a
: easily heard
a loud and clear sound
b
: easily visible : plain
a clear signal
c
: free from obscurity or ambiguity : easily understood : unmistakable
a clear explanation
4a
: capable of sharp discernment : keen
a clear thinker
b
: free from doubt : sure
not clear on how to proceed
5
: free from guile or guilt : innocent
a clear conscience
6
: unhampered by restriction or limitation: such as
a
: free of debts or charges
a clear estate
b
: net
a clear profit
c
: unqualified, absolute
a clear victory
d
: free from obstruction
clear passage
e
: emptied of contents or cargo
A ship is clear after unloading.
f
: free from entanglement or contact
staying clear of controversy keep clear of the boundary
clear
adverbDefinition of clear (Entry 2 of 4)
1
: in a clear manner
to cry loud and clear
2
: all the way
drove clear across the state
clear
verb
cleared;
clearing;
clears
Definition of clear (Entry 3 of 4)
1a
: to make clear or translucent
clear the water by filtering
b
: to free from pollution or cloudiness
clear the atmosphere
3a
: to give insight to : enlighten
clear my mind about the new arrangement
b
: to make intelligible : explain
clear up the mystery
4a
: to free from what obstructs or is unneeded: such as
(1)
: open sense 1b
clear a path
(2)
: to remove unwanted growth or items from
clear the land of timber
(3)
: to rid or make a rasping noise as if ridding (the throat) of phlegm
needed to clear my throat
(4)
: to erase stored or displayed data from (a device, such as a computer or calculator)
b
: to empty of occupants
clear the room
c
: disentangle
clear a fishing line
d
: to remove from an area or place
clear the dishes from the table
5a
: to submit for approval
clear it with me first
6a
: to free from obligation or encumbrance
c(1)
: to free (a ship or shipment) by payment of duties or harbor fees
(2)
: to pass through (customs)
d
: to gain without deduction : net
clear a profit
e
: to put through a clearinghouse
clear a check
7a
: to go over, under, or by without touching
the ball just cleared the uprights
b
: to move through successfully : pass
the bill cleared the legislature
1a
: to become clear
it cleared up quickly after the rain
b
: to go away : vanish
the symptoms cleared gradually
c
: sell
Hogs cleared at steady rates.
2a
: to obtain permission to discharge cargo
b
: to conform to regulations or pay requisite fees prior to leaving port
The ship cleared yesterday and is ready to sail.
3
: to pass through a clearinghouse
4
: to go to an authority (as for approval) before becoming effective
All tax bills must clear through our committee.
clear the air
or less commonly clear the atmosphere
clear the decks
: to remove elements of hostility, tension, confusion, or uncertainty
had a long meeting to clear the air
: to make sweeping preparations for action
clear
nounDefinition of clear (Entry 4 of 4)
1
: a clear space or part
2
: a high arcing shot over an opponent's head in badminton
in the clear
1
: in inside measurement
corridors three feet in the clear
2
: free from guilt or suspicion
The jury's decision was that he was in the clear.
3
: in plaintext : not in code or cipher
a message sent in the clear
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Other Words from clear
Adjective
clearness
noun
Verb
clearable
\ ˈklir-ə-bəl
\
adjective
\
adjective
clearer
\ ˈklir-ər
\
noun
\
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for clear
Synonyms: Adjective
crystal, crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, see-through, transparent
Synonyms: Verb
Antonyms: Adjective
Antonyms: Verb
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Examples of clear in a Sentence
Adjective
There are clear differences between the two candidates. She's the clear favorite to win the election. I'm not completely happy with the plan, but I see no clear alternative. He was the clear winner. She has made it abundantly clear that she does not support us. It's not clear how much longer we'll have to wait. “Changes will have to be made.” “Yes, that's clear.” Her writing has a clear style. The instructions weren't very clear about when we were supposed to begin. I think I have a clear understanding of the problem.Adverb
We drove clear across the state. The ball rolled clear across the street.Verb
The sky cleared after the rain. The weather is cloudy now, but it's clearing gradually. The morning fog gradually cleared. When the smoke cleared, we could see that the building had been completely destroyed. The water cleared after the mud had settled. My skin cleared when I started using the cream. They cleared timber from the land. She cleared everything out of the closet. I'll clear those books out of the way. The police ordered the crowd to clear the area.
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
There was no bushwhacking here; Nelsons’s path was clear. — Zoë Madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Symphony Orchestra begins Tanglewood season in style," 7 July 2019 Australia and India have clinched the top two spots in the tournament's semi-finals based on their success in the group stage, though their finishing order will not be clear until after this weekend's games. — Kevin Dotson, CNN, "The Women's World Cup final isn't the only big game this weekend. Keep your eyes on Wimbledon, the Tour De France and MLB," 5 July 2019 To be clear, Amazon didn’t buy Deliveroo, which has raised $1.5 billion to date and is valued at $4 billion. — Alison Griswold, Quartz, "Amazon is so big, even its startup investments are being scrutinized," 5 July 2019 The results are clear, and support the notion that the oil industry’s lone female CEO uses more inclusive language than her male counterparts. — Akshat Rathi, Quartz at Work, "The inclusive language that sets the oil industry’s lone female CEO apart from the rest," 5 July 2019 At long last, summer has arrived, and while the bright sunshine and balmier temperatures naturally inject life into weary complexions, there’s no denying that the season ups the ante on maintaining a clear, healthy-looking glow. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "This Supercharged Skin Elixir Is the Ultimate Summer Beauty Hack," 5 July 2019 Under Hart’s direction, the ensemble makes clear that a great deal of life unfolds beneath those brims. — Lisa Kennedy, The Know, "Can they get an amen? Vintage Theatre goes to church with “Crowns: A Gospel Musical”," 5 July 2019 At least under President Obama, the goal was clear: never build a nuclear weapon and stay at least one year away from being able to do so. — Jon Wolfsthal, The New Republic, "Is Anyone Surprised Iran Has Returned to Enrichment?," 2 July 2019 What is clear, however, is that the secrets of life’s earthly genesis would be invaluable guides in the search for life elsewhere in the universe. — Shannon Stirone, Scientific American, "New NASA Mission Will Fly Titan’s Frigid Skies to Search for Life’s Beginnings," 27 June 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
In the Amazon rainforest, one soccer field-size area is clear-cut every minute. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Restoring forests may be one of our most powerful weapons in fighting climate change," 5 July 2019 But almost exactly two years after that oh-so-brief glimmer of hope, a strange realization is becoming clear: Things could have been worse. — Mike Finger, ExpressNews.com, "Two years later, Spurs learning what they missed," 22 June 2019 In some shootings, officers' decisions to fire at someone who points a gun at them seem clear-cut. — AZCentral.com, "Police shootings in Arizona," 19 June 2019 Even the episode involving matricide — at the extremity of possible wrongdoing — was not clear-cut. — BostonGlobe.com, "What leads Harvard to rescind admission?," 18 June 2019 By definition, the things that are clear-cut have the least room for innovation. — Josh Linkner, Detroit Free Press, "Are you really being productive? It's hard things that unlock growth," 8 June 2019 Vet Patrick Mahaney advises such clients as Bryce Dallas Howard and Jane Lynch to steer clear. — Lesley Mckenzie, The Hollywood Reporter, "Inside the Raw vs. Cooked Dog Food Debate: Hollywood's Top Vets Weigh In," 18 June 2018 Athletes rehabbing injuries should steer clear, however. — Abbie Barronian, Outside Online, "Yoga Can Make You a Better Athlete," 30 Apr. 2018 Antetokounmpo attempted to steer clear when asked about his role in influencing decisions, deferring to the front office. — Matt Velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bucks' off-season will be full of difficult decisions before moving into new arena," 29 Apr. 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Nuril was initially cleared of the charges of violating the country’s strict anti-pornography laws by distributing the recording in a bid to expose the man’s history of lecherous behavior. — Fox News, "Indonesia woman faces jail time for recording boss’ lewd phone call, he is promoted," 6 July 2019 The more than 40 acre tract of land Mattaliano bought in November 2017, was cleared a few months ago of the dense, lush forest that had offered a semblance of privacy for resort members. — Jeff Forward, Houston Chronicle, "Local nudist resort sees influx of new members, faces development challenges," 5 July 2019 Local demand for materials, land, and agriculture is often why these forests were cleared in the first place. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Restoring forests may be one of our most powerful weapons in fighting climate change," 5 July 2019 Major delays were expected until the scene is cleared. — Anchorage Daily News, "Seward Highway fully reopened after collision but delays continue," 3 July 2019 Even if those hurdles are cleared, there’s one more very thorny factor – a growing lack of construction workers to do the actual work. — Dan Walters, The Mercury News, "Walters: Newsom’s housing deal is just a baby step for California," 3 July 2019 An Escambia County deputy was sentenced to 30 years while another was cleared of any wrongdoing, according to previous reporting on the case. — Christopher Harress | Charress@al.com, al.com, "Gulf Coast Sheriff denies being part of sex ring that involved children and a deputy," 3 July 2019 In the suit, Du Bois mentions a fellow athlete and roommate who was allowed to redshirt despite being medically cleared to compete by UMD training staff. — Adelie Bergstrom, Twin Cities, "Former UMD athlete sues school, alleging retaliation for supporting her accused coach," 26 June 2019 Twenty-eight people were treated at a clinic in the Bahamas and were cleared to return to the ship, cruise officials told NBC Miami. — Tim Stelloh, NBC News, "Four Carnival Cruise passengers airlifted to Florida after Bahamas bus crash," 25 June 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Brady adds that Kennedy, who has committed to play at Virginia Tech, was just as valuable on defending clears thanks to her strong footwork. — Brent Kennedy, baltimoresun.com, "Hensh takes own path to Howard County girls lacrosse Player of Year honors," 10 June 2019 Domagoj Vida had seven clears from the Croatian defense. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "Croatia Digs Deeper, Burying England’s World Cup Dreams," 12 July 2018 One key in Sunday’s 10-9 overtime win against Georgetown was the Blue Jays’ ability to force the Hoyas into failing on five of 17 clears. — Edward Lee, baltimoresun.com, "Johns Hopkins vs. Duke men’s lacrosse: Three things to watch," 20 May 2018 Off the beaches, Spanish mackerel will turn on as soon as winds drop and water clears, and cobia are also in the area around markers and other structure. — Frank Sargeant, AL.com, "Friday Fishing Report," 20 Apr. 2018 Southampton remain rooted in 18th position in the league standings with six matches left of the 2017/18 campaign, and are five clears from safety ahead of the next round of fixtures. — SI.com, "Mark Hughes Hits Out at Poor Saints Showing in 3-0 Defeat to Fellow Strugglers West Ham," 1 Apr. 2018 United are currently second in the table, seven points clears of their north west rivals after seven games, level on points with neighbours Manchester City and trailing only on goal difference. — SI.com, "Jose Mourinho Reportedly Set for Bumper New 5-Year Manchester United Contract," 12 Oct. 2017 The Gladiators excelled on clears all afternoon, particularly buckling down any time the Seahawks made their way into the circle. — Brent Kennedy, Howard County Times, "Glenelg field hockey opens season with 3-1 win over South River," 5 Sep. 2017 Bill Martin, Academy Park, Sr. – Clears space for Kareem Burton & Co. Nafeei Minor, Simon Gratz, Sr. – — Rick O'brien, Philly.com, "Offensive linemen who will dominate the trenches," 20 Aug. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for clear
clear
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of clear
(Entry 1 of 3)
: very obvious : not causing or allowing doubt
: easily understood
: free from doubt or confusion
clear
adverbEnglish Language Learners Definition of clear (Entry 2 of 3)
: in a clear manner
chiefly US, informal
: all the way : completely or entirely
clear
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of clear (Entry 3 of 3)
of weather or the sky
: to change so that there are no clouds, fog, etc.
of clouds, fog, smoke, etc.
: to go away
of a liquid
: to change by becoming easier to see through : to become transparent or more transparent
See the full definition for clear in the English Language Learners Dictionary
clear
adjective
\ ˈklir
\
\
clearer;
clearest
Kids Definition of clear
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: easily heard, seen, noticed, or understood
a clear definition The differences were clear. She spoke in a clear voice.
2
: free of clouds, haze, or mist
a clear day
3
: free from feelings of guilt
a clear conscience
4
: easily seen through
clear water
5
: free from doubt or confusion : sure
Are you clear on what you need to do?
6
: free of blemishes
clear skin
7
: not blocked
a clear path a clear view
8
: bright sense 1, luminous
clear sunlight
clear
verb
cleared;
clearing
Kids Definition of clear (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: to free of things blocking
I cleared my throat.
2
: to make or become free of clouds, haze, or mist
The sky cleared.
3
: to get rid of : remove
Please clear dishes from the table.
4
: to go over or by without touching
The ball I hit cleared the fence.
5
: to go away : disperse
The crowd cleared rapidly.
6
: explain sense 1
We tried to clear the matter up.
7
: to free from blame
The judge cleared my name.
8
: to approve or be approved by
Our plane was cleared to land. Our proposal cleared the committee.
9
: to make as profit
We cleared 85 dollars on the sale.
clear
adverbKids Definition of clear (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: in a way that is easy to hear
loud and clear
2
: all the way
I could hear you clear across the room.
clear
adjective
\ ˈkli(ə)r
\
\
Medical Definition of clear
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
of the skin or complexion
: good in texture and color and without blemish or discoloration
b
of an animal coat
: of uniform shade without spotting
2
: free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
clear
transitive verbMedical Definition of clear (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to render (a specimen for microscopic examination) transparent by the use of an agent (as an essential oil) that modifies the index of refraction
2
: to rid (the throat) of phlegm or of something that makes the voice indistinct or husky
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clear
adjectiveLegal Definition of clear
1
: unencumbered by outstanding claims or interests
a search showed the title was clear
2
: free from doubt or ambiguity
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Comments on clear
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