Definition of clear
1a : bright, luminous bonfires clear and bright — Shakespeareb : cloudless; specifically : less than one-tenth covered a clear skyc : free from mist, haze, or dust a clear dayd : untroubled, serene a clear gaze
2 : clean, pure: such asa : free from blemishes clear skinb : easily seen through : transparent clear glass clear plastic bagsc : free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
3a : easily heard a loud and clear soundb : easily visible : plain a clear signalc : free from obscurity or ambiguity : easily understood : unmistakable a clear explanation
4a : capable of sharp discernment : keen a clear thinkerb : 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 asa : free of debts or charges a clear estateb : net a clear profitc : unqualified, absolute a clear victoryd : free from obstruction clear passagee : 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 boundaryg : bare, denuded clear ground
clearness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of clear in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples of clear from the Web
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The list of Russian capers, collusions, and conspiracies could be expanded, but the picture is clear: Putin’s Russia is in bad shape.
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The government could have been clearer about its spending plans from the start.
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Although Brighton and Newcastle would pull clear and secure the automatic promotion spots, Reading would secure their place in the play-offs.
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Former prosecutor For some voters, Durkan’s prosecutorial experience is a clear asset.
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But from her second-story bedroom, where the walls were painted seafoam green, Dlugopolski had a clear view of the A&P and other businesses on Mack.
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Admitting Monday there is a clear division on the Harford County Board of Education, its members narrowly elected Joseph Voskuhl and Laura Runyeon as president and vice president for the next two years.
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Whether the same appetite for end-user involvement exists for Windows Server is less clear.
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Here’s a few of our favorites: ‘Snow Queen’ — a Princeton Nurseries introduction that’s been around forever, this one boasts long, clear white blooms in profusion.
These 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.
Origin and Etymology of clear
Middle English clere, from Anglo-French cler, from Latin clarus clear, bright; akin to Latin calare to call — more at low
Synonym Discussion of clear
clear, perspicuous, lucid mean quickly and easily understood. clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity. clear instructions perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear. a perspicuous style lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement. a lucid explanation
synonyms see in addition evident
clear
Definition of clear
1 : in a clear manner to cry loud and clear
2 : all the way drove clear across the state
Examples of clear in a Sentence
We drove clear across the state.
The ball rolled clear across the street.
Origin and Etymology of clear
see 1clear
clear
Definition of clear
transitive verb
1a : to make clear or translucent clear the water by filteringb : to free from pollution or cloudiness clear the atmosphere
2 : to free from accusation or blame : exonerate, vindicate the opportunity to clear himself
3a : to give insight to : enlighten clear my mind about the new arrangementb : to make intelligible : explain clear up the mystery
4a : to free from what obstructs or is unneeded: such as (1) : open 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 roomc : disentangle clear a fishing lined : to remove from an area or place clear the dishes from the tablee : transmit, dispatch
5a : to submit for approval clear it with me firstb : authorize, approve cleared the article for publication: such as (1) : to certify as trustworthy clear a person for classified information (2) : to permit (an aircraft) to proceed usually with a specified action the plane was cleared to land
6a : to free from obligation or encumbranceb : settle, discharge clear an accountc (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 profite : to put through a clearinghouse clear a check
7a : to go over, under, or by without touching the ball just cleared the uprightsb : to move through successfully : pass the bill cleared the legislature
intransitive verb
1a : to become clear it cleared up quickly after the rainb : to go away : vanish the symptoms cleared graduallyc : sell Hogs cleared at steady rates.
clear the air
or less commonlyclear the atmosphere
clear the decks
Examples of clear in a Sentence
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 of clear from the Web
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Thanks to the Del Mar City Council clearing the way last year, the city will have its first craft brewery in July (appropriately, the brewery’s official opening day is scheduled to coincide with Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club).
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Another round of storms hit Elgin area Wednesday morning, with the weather expected to clear for a time this afternoon and more storms predicted for later in the afternoon and the evening.
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After months of planning, designing and fundraising, Witlin begin clearing the property of its old, dilapidated dock and coordinating a group of Scouts and adults in the building a new dock.
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A cardiologist might give a patient medication to clear or loosen blockages.
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Want to know if the snow has cleared off Quandary Peak?
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Clear your whole weekend, because EA’s press conference is now on Saturday afternoon.
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So if there were a flood, tornado, snowstorm or other natural disaster that left an area unmarked or cleared of housing, that mapping could be used to compare how the area looked before and after the event.
These 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.
Origin and Etymology of clear
see 1clear
clear
Definition of clear
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
Origin and Etymology of clear
see 1clear
CLEAR Defined for English Language Learners
clear
playDefinition of clear for English Language Learners
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: very obvious : not causing or allowing doubt
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: easily understood
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: free from doubt or confusion
clear
Definition of clear for English Language Learners
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: in a clear manner
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: all the way : completely or entirely
CLEAR Defined for Kids
Definition of clear for Students
clearer
;clearest
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
clearly
adverbclearness
nounDefinition of clear for Students
cleared
;clearing
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 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.
Definition of clear for Students
1 : in a way that is easy to hear loud and clear
2 : all the way I could hear you clear across the room.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of clear
1aof the skin or complexion : good in texture and color and without blemish or discolorationbof an animal coat : of uniform shade without spotting
2: free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
clear
Medical Definition of clear
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
Law Dictionary
clear
Legal Definition of clear
1 : unencumbered by outstanding claims or interests a search showed the title was clear
2 : free from doubt or ambiguity
Learn More about clear
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See words that rhyme with clear Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clear Spanish Central: Translation of clear Nglish: Translation of clear for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of clear for Arabic speakers
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