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
But as Lord John Grey and Frank Randall both made abundantly clear earlier in the series, a blood relation isn’t required to be a loving parent. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Outlander's Season 4 Finale Left Us With Some Questions," 28 Jan. 2019 Thankfully, for years after that, my Pap tests were clear. — Leana Wen, SELF, "Before I Was President of Planned Parenthood, I Was Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer at a Routine Screening," 28 Jan. 2019 Just as scientists have made clear the world needs to act with urgency, the United States has headed in the opposite direction. — Chris Mooney, The Seattle Times, "U.S. greenhouse gas emissions spiked in 2018 – and it couldn’t happen at a worse time," 9 Jan. 2019 According to the mining company, the autonomous trains make sure the rails are clear ahead and monitor internal systems as well, checking for faulty wheels or couplers and bringing the train to a stop if there's a problem. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Mining co. says first autonomous freight train network fully operational," 30 Dec. 2018 That was made clear by 250 pages of internal Facebook emailsand other documents released by British lawmakers yesterday. — Recode Staff, Recode, "Recode Daily: Going for a ride in Waymo’s just-launched driverless taxi service," 6 Dec. 2018 But as was made abundantly clear by Razek's comments, the brand did not take the opportunity to make its casting more diverse. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "Did Rihanna Just Clue Everyone In on How She Feels About VS's Savage x Fenty Dig?," 12 Nov. 2018 Stay clear from flavored lip balms that contain mint, menthol, or cinnamon. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "We Asked Derms How to Keep Dry Lips Moisturized During Winter and Here’s What They Told Us," 11 Dec. 2018 How to exfoliate the right way: Avoid gritty scrubs that contain rough exfoliators like kernels or seeds, and steer clear of harsh peels. — Mona Gohara, Good Housekeeping, "6 Reasons Why Your Skin Is Blotchy — And How to Fix It," 13 Dec. 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
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. 2018 Contract-interpretation battles are common, but Mr. Hawkins’s case isn’t clear-cut. — David Benoit, WSJ, "Canadian Insurers Fight Cattle Farmer’s Investment Strategy, Fearing Stampede," 4 Oct. 2018 Nicholas Heymann, an analyst at William Blair & Co., said the latest moves clear away lingering concerns over GE’s debt while laying out a plan to monetize several major assets. — Rick Clough, Bloomberg.com, "GE CEO’s Make-or-Break Overhaul Took Shape on a Ski Vacation," 27 June 2018 The Mellencamp factor Indiana rock star John Mellencamp works exceedingly hard these days to steer clear of the mainstream, but Nashville acts are out there putting his name in the ears of new listeners. — David Lindquist, Indianapolis Star, "Four ways Kenny Chesney keeps ‘welcome summer’ party going, plus a song for Ella Whistler," 1 June 2018 Throughout my experience, one thing remained clear: Current and former foster youth need better access to resources to help us face unique challenges within, and outside of, the child welfare system. — Tanisha Saunders, Teen Vogue, "I Was a Foster Child and Now I'm a Foster Care Activist," 24 May 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Treatment typically involves an antibiotic, either through a topical gel or oral medication, and can be cleared up within a week in most cases. — Samantha Lefave, Redbook, "Why You Should Never Ignore Sweet-Smelling Urine (or These Other Body Odors)," 3 Aug. 2018 Barbara Griffith, spokeswoman for the Fort Worth school district, said the district is working on a back-to-school information campaign aimed at clearing up any confusion. — Diane Smith, star-telegram, "Hey, Fort Worth students, do you know what time classes start next school year?," 13 July 2018 Rafael Nadal, the reigning champion, was forced out of the 2014 U.S. Open with an injury, clearing Federer’s side of the draw for what appeared to be a cakewalk to an inevitable final against Novak Djokovic. — Chris Chase, For The Win, "Was Roger Federer's Wimbledon collapse the worst of his career? Ranking his five biggest losses.," 11 July 2018 Amazon also stopped work at a distribution center in Okayama Saturday, but resumed Sunday once roads were cleared, according to a spokesperson, Bloomberg reported. — Renae Reints, Fortune, "Massive Floods in Japan Have Killed More Than 70 and Hurt Local Manufacturers," 8 July 2018 The lawsuit, filed Tuesday according to Kings' development group representatives, is the latest volley in an ongoing fight over who should pay to clear up dozens of subcontractor liens for nonpayment against the project. — Tony Bizjak, sacbee, "Kings sue contractor over soaring costs at unfinished downtown tower project," 4 July 2018 Cal Fire firefighter Matthew Rose with the Ramona Fire Department listed the benefits of a trail cleared of vegetation as providing a firebreak, good access points and position markers to identify the locations of people in distress. — Julie Gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Greenway trail would improve public safety, officials agree," 2 July 2018 With that milestone, the company is cleared to move ahead into assembly of the Dream Chaser vehicle that will deliver cargo to the station, SpaceNews reports. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Rocket Report: Rokot ending, more spaceports, back-to-back Falcon Heavies," 21 Dec. 2018 If emotes do clear the threshold for copyright, the implications would be far bigger than one or two celebrities. — Nick Statt, The Verge, "Fortnite keeps stealing dances — and no one knows if it’s illegal," 20 Dec. 2018Recent 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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