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 emerged was a series of intricate, heady features whose ideas often came through more clearly than their sentiments. —Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

The mustache required fewer pixels to animate than a mouth, and the overalls helped clearly define Mario’s movements. —Alexander Kaplan, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026

Healey and Campbell clearly have not thought through the potential dangers and liabilities of their brilliant idea. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026

But a little later, Laura asks to stay with this good Samaritan rather than go with the EMTs, an arrangement that clearly pleases Betty. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 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