clear out

verb

cleared out; clearing out; clears out
Synonyms of clear outnext

transitive verb

: to drive out or away usually forcibly

Examples of clear out in a Sentence

police used tear gas to clear out the demonstrators everyone cleared out as soon as the fire alarm began sounding
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Out-of-town attendees who filled the early days largely cleared out, leaving a more local audience in their wake. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 The ordinance was pushed by Mayor Alysson Snow, a housing rights attorney, who said stronger protections for renters were necessary after local landlords bent substantial renovation rules to clear out longtime renters. Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 As Sullivan clears out what previous GM Chris Grier had in place, the Dolphins will now take on more than $175 million in dead money in 2026 by the time the post-June 1 releases of Tagovailoa and edge rusher Bradley Chubb are factored in. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026 Ventilate your home in the early morning and evening by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate. Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear out

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of clear out was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clear out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clear%20out. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

clear out

verb
1
: to go or run away often suddenly or secretly
a horse broke loose and cleared out
cleared out without paying me back
2
: to drive out or away usually with force
police cleared out the demonstrators
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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