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
The evening ended with a performance from Apollo veteran Alice Smith, who sang the blues to the guests—her set made clear that the New York City mainstay is here to stay. — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, "The Tribeca Film Festival Opens With The Apollo—Smokey Robinson, Angela Bassett, and Robert De Niro Attend," 26 Apr. 2019 The end of the introduction to the 1949 edition made this clear. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "Green Book builds a feel-good comedy atop an artifact of shameful segregation. Yikes.," 7 Jan. 2019 After the premiere of the brand-new format, viewers made their thoughts loud and clear. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "'The Voice' Fans Are Calling the First Cross Battles Show the 'Worst Episode' Ever," 16 Apr. 2019 In this instance, the message is loud and clear that neither proactive self-reporting nor exemplary cooperation is of any value to the committee. — Dave Skretta, The Seattle Times, "Missouri files brief as it seeks to overturn NCAA sanctions," 25 Mar. 2019 Part of the screen assembly is a layer of indium tin oxide, a clear, conductive material. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "Things Come Apart: Facebook Portal+," 24 Mar. 2019 Precum is a clear, sticky fluid released before ejaculation. — Kasandra Brabaw, SELF, "Can You Get Pregnant From Precum?," 7 Mar. 2019 Any fool with a phone can take a beautiful picture of a sunset on a clear evening (ugh, #nofilter braggers), but snap a waterproof case on and take some nature shots to for the 'gram. — Gena Kaufman, Glamour, "21 Rainy-Day Date Ideas That Aren't Another Movie," 30 Mar. 2019 Use a clear sealer to fill the seal the cracks in the ottoman. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "This Tire Upcycle Is...Actually Chic," 27 Mar. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
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. 2018 If one of our team members has their DND tag hanging on their door, desk or computer, others know to steer clear. — Denise Blasevick, Ceo, NBC News, "This hotel industry practice could boost your productivity," 23 Feb. 2018 The answers aren’t always clear-cut, so talking to your doctor is essential. — Korin Miller, SELF, "What to Know About Getting Pregnant If You Take Antipsychotics," 17 Jan. 2019 For all the salicylic acid out there, there are certain ingredients to steer clear of. — Leah Prinzivalli, Glamour, "How to Get Rid of a Pimple Fast: 12 Dos & Don'ts of Fighting Acne," 17 Jan. 2019 An insider tip: steer clear of all-white apparel due to dirt roads where the dust whirls around freely and can stain. — Kara Ladd, Harper's BAZAAR, "Just Back From...Nosara, Costa Rica," 10 July 2018 His dream for a European election with a clear-cut, pan-European policy platform is petering out now that fuel-tax protests have crippled Mr. Macron at home. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Europe’s Missing Vote," 27 Dec. 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Sixty years ago this week a pilot standing next to Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge might have been witness to an amazing sight: a six engine U.S. Air Force nuclear bomber flying between the spans of the bridge, barely clearing the structure. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Sixty Years Ago, a Pilot Flew a B-47 Nuclear Bomber Under Michigan's Mackinac Bridge," 30 Apr. 2019 Many abnormal cells end up going through a natural death in our bodies and are just cleared by our bodies. — NBC News, "Johnson & Johnson talc verdict goes against what is known about cancer," 13 July 2018 But the department’s new chief reversed course and cleared Wollschlager. — Charles Rabin, Jay Weaver And David Ovalle, miamiherald, "The chief wanted perfect stats, so cops were told to pin crimes on blacks, probe found," 12 July 2018 In some cases, winds or rain can clear away smoke in hours or days. — Mary Beth Griggs, The Verge, "Scientists fly through plumes of wildfire smoke to unravel its mysteries," 21 Nov. 2018 Retinol, which cleared up her adult acne in just three months. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "These Photos of Retinol Treating Acne in 3 Months Are Going Viral," 13 Aug. 2018 But Umtiti slides in and clears in a last-ditch move. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "France, With Flash to Spare, Reaches the World Cup Final," 11 July 2018 If the clouds cleared up the sun, heat, and humidity will destroy your skin and if the clouds decided to stick around for longer, the water can really wreak havoc on your hair. — Teen Vogue, "These 12 Beauty Products Are Just As Important As Your Coachella Outfits," 9 Apr. 2019 Although ear infections often clear up on their own in a week or two without any treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic, severe cases can cause complications and may require antibiotics. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Here’s How to Get Relief From Ear Pressure When You’re Sick," 9 Apr. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
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. 2017 North Carolina’s 9-0 run in the second half was assisted in part by a 10-man ride that seemed to cause problems for the Great Danes, who failed on four of eight clears in the third quarter. — Edward Lee, baltimoresun.com, "Albany vs. Maryland men's lacrosse: Three things to watch," 21 May 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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