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

Ads will be clearly labeled and separate from responses, placed at the bottom of answers when relevant to the conversation, and will not influence ChatGPT’s outputs. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The room was brighter now, and Camilla could see everything more clearly. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

Both films have clearly earned respect from the industry. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026

Speaking on the first episode of Odyssey TV, which dropped this week, the Australian EDM producer, singer and songwriter is clearly ready to take on the world. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 22 Jan. 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