clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈklir-lē 

1

: in a clear manner

speaking clearly

2

: it is clear

clearly, a new approach is needed

Synonyms of clearly

• certainly
• definitely
• surely
• sure
• probably
• really

Examples of clearly in a Sentence

You should try to speak more clearly.

The mountain was clearly visible in the distance.

The problem is very clearly getting worse.

“A new approach is needed.” “Clearly.”

“The current method isn't working.” “Clearly not.”

Recent Examples on the Web

This particular brand of freedom is clearly not serving us well, though, because one set of statistics after another continues to tell us that our mental health and wellbeing are plummeting in an alarming way. —Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

This is clearly not your average hotel. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

On the very next play Ollie Gordon II gained 5 yards on his first carry, clearly driving the line forward on a run behind center Aaron Brewer, who returned to practice after missing last week because of a family commitment. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026

There is clearly an opportunity for debates or other activities tied to screenings of The Apologist. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clearly

• dearly
• merely
• nearly
• queerly
• yearly
• austerely
• severely
• sincerely
• cavalierly

Kids Definition

clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈkli(ə)r-lē 

1

: in a clear manner

was clearly visible

2

: without doubt or question

clearly something had to be done