clear 1 of 3

Definition of clearnext
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clear

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verb

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as in to empty
to remove the contents of cleared a drawer so there would be a place to store his clothes

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as in to open
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way the early settlers worked hard to clear the land for crops

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as in to smooth
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions plows promptly cleared the roads of snow

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as in to earn
to receive after charges and deductions have been made cleared enough from that stock transaction to be able to afford a new luxury automobile

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as in to pay
to give what is owed for finally cleared the last debt

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clear

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adverb

as in through

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective clear contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clear are limpid, translucent, and transparent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When could limpid be used to replace clear?

Although the words limpid and clear have much in common, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

When can translucent be used instead of clear?

The synonyms translucent and clear are sometimes interchangeable, but translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

When would transparent be a good substitute for clear?

While the synonyms transparent and clear are close in meaning, transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of clear
Adjective
For a publication known for chronicling beautiful interiors, the celebration made clear that Architectural Digest’s focus in Los Angeles right now extends beyond aesthetics and a high gloss surface. Andrea Navarro, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2026 While the donors chose to remain anonymous, their message made clear the connection between the gift and Waffle House's origins in the city. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
Something could briefly jam up the works near April’s end, but the obstacle should clear very quickly. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026 Guthrie’s family has also been cleared as suspects. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Feb. 2026
Adverb
Later, a pastor clear across the canton griped about another broadcast. Simon Akam, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 In his telling, this attack on limits is legible in a host of current phenomena, including mass immigration, free-market orthodoxy, the rise of AI, overseas labor exploitation, the clear-cutting of rainforests, and new ideas about gender. Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • The hoarding expert suggested that people may not be checking the most obvious spots in their homes for hidden fortunes.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
  • As a performance artist and musician, Ono has always tried to expose the depth contained within the apparently obvious.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Launched two years ago, the startup aims to provide long-term investors — sovereign wealth funds, large family offices, and institutional asset managers — a more transparent way to manage liquidity, adjust exposure, and redeploy capital without relying on one-off bilateral deals.
    Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 24 Feb. 2026
  • In a market as digitalized and transparent as China, short-term growth tactics are either achieved at the expense of brand equity or quickly copied — and often overtaken — within three to six months.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There are still weeks to go in the trial, and its outcome is far from certain.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Investigators can use certain databases to look for a match with a suspect or that person's relatives.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When growing basil indoors on a sunny windowsill, give pots a quarter turn weekly to expose all sides to the sun and ensure seedlings won't be pale and spindly.
    Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026
  • When March rolls around, spring finally comes into sight, bringing longer days, sunnier skies, and blossoming flowers.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Meta and other tech firms have argued there’s no conclusive evidence linking social media to addiction or mental health problems.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Although the pills were never sent to the state crime lab for conclusive testing, the defense seemed to suggest more should have been done to see if Sade's murder was really connected to those drugs.
    Lauren A. White, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Since Kyoto City now imposes a 40-foot height restriction on new construction in the neighborhood, keeping the Yasaka Kaikan’s 100-foot height meant unparalleled—and forever unobstructed—guest room and rooftop views.
    Leandra Beabout, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The property, listed with Jason Saks and Josh Altman of Douglas Elliman’s Altman Brothers Team, occupies roughly a third of an acre with 50 feet of unobstructed Pacific frontage.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, all these innocent inquiries have me even more on edge.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 26 Feb. 2026
  • But if some of the address was a game show, much of it was a bloody Grand Guignol theater of horror stories, almost all about immigrants preying on the helpless and the innocent.
    Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Eloise's shining moment comes in Quinn's To Sir Phillip, With Love, and follows her love story with Sir Phillip Crane—yes, that Phillip, who married his late brother's true love Marina Thompson.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Her world, fueled by her life, was the shining and irrefutable definition of integrity.
    Josh Peter, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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