clear out

verb

cleared out; clearing out; clears out
Synonyms of clear outnext

transitive verb

: to drive out or away usually forcibly

Examples of clear out in a Sentence

police used tear gas to clear out the demonstrators everyone cleared out as soon as the fire alarm began sounding
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
City sanitation workers would then dismantle the encampment on the seventh day, with the hope that people would have cleared out of the area. Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026 City sanitation workers would then dismantle the encampment on the seventh day, with the hope that people would have cleared out of the area. ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026 It is expected to be cloudy in the morning before gradually clearing out. Suryatapa Chakraborty, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026 Presidents’ Day sales and promotions are also underway this holiday weekend, as many retailers slash prices to clear out seasonal stock left over from the holidays and the previous year to make room for new merchandise. Allie Canal, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear out

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of clear out was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clear out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clear%20out. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

clear out

verb
1
: to go or run away often suddenly or secretly
a horse broke loose and cleared out
cleared out without paying me back
2
: to drive out or away usually with force
police cleared out the demonstrators
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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