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.
After losing their childhood best friend, Yalda and Lou are left to clear out Solveigh’s apartment. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026 Vendors across North Texas say they were caught off guard when Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly shut down all six of its area stores, leaving hundreds of small business owners scrambling to clear out their booths with little warning. Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 Adebayo is expected to be among those speaking Thursday, when the Heat clear out their lockers at Kaseya Center. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 The Hornets might be clearing out their lockers Wednesday after a loss. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 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
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