clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈklir-lē 

1

: in a clear manner

speaking clearly

2

: it is clear

clearly, a new approach is needed

Synonyms

• all right
• alright
• assuredly
• certainly
• definitely
• doubtless
• easily
• forsooth
• hands down
• inarguably
• incontestably
• incontrovertibly
• indeed
• indisputably
• plainly
• really
• so
• sure
• surely
• truly
• unarguably
• undeniably
• undoubtedly
• unquestionably

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

Only this time, Trump’s ambush was far more clearly choreographed, and thus somewhat less unstylish. —Jonny Steinberg, Time, 22 May 2025

Attorneys who are mentally well are more likely to think more clearly, make better decisions and engage more meaningfully with clients and colleagues. —Raquel Gomes, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Choose words that affirm sufficiency and speak your priorities clearly to the people who are building a life with you. —Colin Bedell, Them., 22 May 2025

What made the Urus a bit of a curveball was that it was clearly built from the pieces in the VW Group’s corporate toolbox. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 22 May 2025

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