clear

adjective

\ ˈklir

Definition of clear

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : bright, luminous bonfires clear and bright— Shakespeare

b : cloudless specifically : less than one-tenth covered a clear sky

c : free from mist, haze, or dust a clear day

d : untroubled, serene a clear gaze

2 : clean, pure: such as

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

g : bare, denuded clear ground

clear

adverb

Definition 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)

transitive verb

1a : to make clear or translucent clear the water by filtering

b : 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 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

e : transmit, dispatch

5a : to submit for approval clear it with me first

b : 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 encumbrance

b : settle, discharge clear an account

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

intransitive verb

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

: to remove elements of hostility, tension, confusion, or uncertainty had a long meeting to clear the air

clear the decks

: to make sweeping preparations for action

clear

noun

Definition 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

Other Words from clear Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about clear

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Synonyms & Antonyms for clear

Synonyms: Adjective

crystal, crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, see-through, transparent

Synonyms: Verb

free, open, unblock

Antonyms: Adjective

cloudy, opaque

Antonyms: Verb

block

Choose the Right Synonym for clear

Adjective

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through. clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness. clear water transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly. a transparent sheet of film translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond. translucent frosted glass limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water. her eyes were limpid pools of blue

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

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

Hopes are that more than 90% of the vote will be counted by 7 a.m. local time (12 a.m. ET) Wednesday, so the final arrangement of seats should be fairly clear by that point. — Andrew Carey, CNN, "Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election plans in limbo as Israeli exit polls show tight contest," 17 Sep. 2019 In The Water Dancer, the purpose of Hiram’s super-power is less clear. — Eric Herschthal, The New Republic, "How Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Novel Reckons With the Past," 17 Sep. 2019 What’s the best way to handle this situation without making an enemy of a neighbor? -- FED UP WITH FREELOADING DEAR FED UP: Your neighbor may not be clear about the rules. — Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, "Dear Abby: Fashion-conscious family can’t get over cousin’s frumpy new wife," 16 Sep. 2019 With the win, Minnesota went ahead of RSL into third in the West and is three points clear of having to travel for the first round of the playoffs. — Avi Creditor, SI.com, "The MLS XI, Week 28: Sounders Fans, Galaxy Make Statements," 16 Sep. 2019 As soon as the rocket plane was clear of the B-52, the pilot would grab the throttle as quickly as possible to open the propellant lines. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "What it was like to fly the baddest airplane the world has ever known," 16 Sep. 2019 The world may never entirely agree on Sharpay Evans, but one thing is certainly clear — High School Musical is a timeless classic. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, ""High School Musical" Fans Are Defending Ashley Tisdale's Sharpay on Twitter," 16 Sep. 2019 The nature of the shooting was not initially clear when a woman called 911 shortly after 5 a.m. to report that her 30-year-old son had been shot in the leg on Washington Street near Vernier Drive, according to sheriff’s Lt. — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Man injured in Lemon Grove by apparent self-inflicted gunshot; 2 arrested," 16 Sep. 2019 Either way, the goal is the same and the mutual benefit is clear to Davis. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, "Raekwon Davis met his physical match on Alabama O-line, loves him anyway," 16 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

The satellite photographs released Sunday did not appear as clear-cut as officials had suggested, with some appearing to show damage on the western side of the facilities, not from the direction of Iran or Iraq. — BostonGlobe.com, "Even as Iranian diplomats denied any role in the attack, others close to Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard were reveling in the damage at the Saudi oil facilities, which process the vast majority of the country’s crude output.," 16 Sep. 2019 His path to the slave trade was less clear-cut than Franklin's. — al, "The hidden history of America’s richest, cruelest slave owners," 15 Sep. 2019 The precipitous decline was clear across all subjects that English-language learners were tested on — passing rates tumbled by 20 percentage points or more on Standards of Learning tests in reading, writing, science and history. — Washington Post, "Why did passing rates on state exams for English learners plunge in Virginia?," 3 Sep. 2019 Having finished runner-up in the Dutch Cup in three of his first four seasons in charge, the Austrian's managerial ability was clear early on. — SI.com, "Ernst Happel: The 'Weird Man' Who Conquered European Football and Helped Shape the Modern Game," 8 Aug. 2019 This assured markets that short-term rates would stay near zero until there were clear, persistent signs that the economy had fully recovered. — Jason Furman, WSJ, "The Case for Pausing the Interest-Rate Climb," 27 Nov. 2018 Why were the jets unable to fly clear of the hurricane’s path? — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "More Than a Dozen F-22s May Have Been Damaged or Destroyed by Hurricane Michael," 15 Oct. 2018 Saturday will bring showers and thunderstorms, probably likely after 8 a.m. Skies will clear later and the day will be mostly sunny with a day-time high near 92. shudak@orlandosentinel.com or 407-650-6361. — Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando weather: Mostly cloudy, highs in the low 90s, thunderstorms after 3 p.m.," 6 July 2018 Its' clear there's a group of parents that do not want a state takeover for the Jefferson County Public Schools. — Mandy Mclaren, The Courier-Journal, "JCPS critics use charter schools to sell West End parents on takeover," 25 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

He was first cleared to play basketball in mid-January. — David J. Kim, The Courier-Journal, "QB Zach Recktenwald is leading Manual again after suffering scary back injury," 16 Sep. 2019 The main roads had by now been cleared, and cars drove along them. Air-traffic control consisted of one person on the ground with a radio, and Hussain had to navigate our landing by sight. — Emily Witt, The New Yorker, "A Haphazard Recovery in the Bahamas," 16 Sep. 2019 Left tackle Cam Robinson has been cleared to play, but Marrone will hold him out as a precaution. — BostonGlobe.com, "Minkah Fitzpatrick," 14 Sep. 2019 After they were cleared for entry, police got a search warrant, then began removing evidence from the home, according to court records. — Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, "Suspected meth lab busted in San Ramon," 13 Sep. 2019 Anderson was cleared in late 2009 of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Julius Allen-Ray Johnson. — Janelle Griffith, NBC News, "Michigan police officer who had KKK memorabilia in his home is fired," 12 Sep. 2019 Though that's great news, no one knew why he wasn't cleared in the first place. — Stephen Means, cleveland.com, "Ohio State football’s Tyreke Smith gives details on his offseason surgery: Ohio State football news," 11 Sep. 2019 In the end, Harris was cleared of all charges while the jury couldn't make a decision on Almena after three weeks of deliberations, leading to a mistrial. — Taylor Mims, Billboard, "Ghost Ship Attorney on His Client's Acquittal, Defending One of 'the Most Hated People in America'," 11 Sep. 2019 The buildings were cleared from any safety issues around 2 p.m. — Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, "Gas line break forced building closures at CU Anschutz campus in Aurora," 10 Sep. 2019

Recent 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 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 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

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.

First Known Use of clear

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Dictionary Entries near clear

Statistics for clear

Last Updated

2 Oct 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for clear

The first known use of clear was in the 13th century

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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

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of clear (Entry 2 of 3)

: in a clear manner

chiefly US, informal : all the way : completely or entirely

clear

verb

English 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

adverb

Kids 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 verb

Medical 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

adjective

Legal 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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clear

Definition of clear

Other Words from clear

Synonyms & Antonyms for clear

Choose the Right Synonym for clear

Examples of clear in a Sentence

First Known Use of clear

History and Etymology for clear

Learn More about clear

Dictionary Entries near clear

Statistics for clear

The first known use of clear was in the 13th century

English Language Learners Definition of clear

Kids Definition of clear

Medical Definition of clear

Legal Definition of clear

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