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

What’s more, the silhouette clearly strikes a nostalgic chord, too. —Eva Thomas, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

The crowd — representing a wide range of backgrounds and languages — clapped along and filmed on their phones, clearly enjoying it. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026

During the Tudor and Stewart periods of the British history spanning from the 15th to the 18th centuries, plenty of royals, even monarchs, were thrown in prison but on clearly political grounds, not criminal charges, Gristwood said. —Nbc News, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026

Notice requirements should clearly explain what is happening, what rights exist, and what options remain. —Michael P. Mayoral, Sun Sentinel, 19 Feb. 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