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

Those numbers clearly aren't going to get the job done for a quarterback who just received a massive five-year, $265 million contract from San Francisco. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

The United States has very clearly dropped back. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Nov. 2025

And clearly, Kidman’s daughters are on the same page. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Nov. 2025

The way these items are presented is clearly noted on the menu and cannot be altered — though that hasn’t stopped guests from asking if the kitchen can remove the prawn tails or filet the fish. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 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