1
: in a clear manner
speaking clearly
2
: it is clear
clearly, a new approach is needed
Synonyms
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
There were clearly a lot of contracts that people had lost track of or weren’t looking at, and that was insightful.
—
Bykylie Robison, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023
Since the war began, at least 176 people sheltering in UNRWA schools have been killed and nearly 800 have been injured, even though most of the buildings have been clearly marked with blue flags, the agency said.
—Michael Levenson, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023
She’s clearly boosted by the energy of this venture.
—Steve Hochman, SPIN, 20 Nov. 2023
Allen, clearly not himself early, dropped a big one near the goal line, turning a likely 7 into 3, and again, on the goal line later, then caught a missile TD pass.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
The Chinese leader was clearly on a charm offensive.
—Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2023
But many of their motivations come through as clearly as if Asher’s car had been freshly Windexed.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 17 Nov. 2023
Shields was clearly touched by the gesture, though, and accepted her award with tears in her eyes.
—Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2023
Mayer is clearly a winner in the watch game, though.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2023
See More
Bykylie Robison, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023
Since the war began, at least 176 people sheltering in UNRWA schools have been killed and nearly 800 have been injured, even though most of the buildings have been clearly marked with blue flags, the agency said.
—Michael Levenson, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023
She’s clearly boosted by the energy of this venture.
—Steve Hochman, SPIN, 20 Nov. 2023
Allen, clearly not himself early, dropped a big one near the goal line, turning a likely 7 into 3, and again, on the goal line later, then caught a missile TD pass.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
The Chinese leader was clearly on a charm offensive.
—Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2023
But many of their motivations come through as clearly as if Asher’s car had been freshly Windexed.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 17 Nov. 2023
Shields was clearly touched by the gesture, though, and accepted her award with tears in her eyes.
—Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2023
Mayer is clearly a winner in the watch game, though.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clearly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of clearly was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near clearly
Cite this Entry
“Clearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearly. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
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
More from Merriam-Webster on clearly
Nglish: Translation of clearly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of clearly for Arabic Speakers
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