CLARIFY Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

clarify

verb

ˈkler-ə-ˌfī

Definition of clarify

as in to filter

to remove usually visible impurities from clarify the melted butter by skimming off the milky bits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable it would help if you could clarify your position for us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 clarify The Pentagon later clarified that the execution would be livestreamed, a decision that is being decried by Republican lawmakers. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 Verizon also clarified that not every customer who received a notice about the copper retirement plan would lose their traditional landline service. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Reviewing these details can help clarify which process applies and what documentation or next steps may be relevant. — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 Stewart clarified that the conversation with the officials happened while Reese was at the line. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clarify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clarify

Verb

Their personal lives are often showcased in a way that’s entirely filtered through the entertainment company’s lens.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Techniques popular in Ukraine and surrounding countries have steadily filtered into the rest of Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with salons all over the world now offering Ukrainian-style manicures.

— Lucy Abbersteen, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of filter

Verb

Kelly said she was impressed by Sand’s ability to not only answer complex policy questions off the cuff but also to explain the context of the issue for others in the audience who might not have been as familiar.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Faulk explained the section from the Old Applehill Road to Douglas Street is considered a limited access highway because the state does not want businesses creating their own access points.

— Lynn Kutter, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

Suffolk more than accommodated this corpus of experience while at the same time enabling me to refine my interests courtesy of its humanizing curriculum.

— David Shribman, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026
Now, back in the paddock, Kim Kardashian is continuing to refine her own take on Formula 1 girlfriend dressing.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of refine

Verb

More broadly, the expansion illustrates how advanced technology, industrial investment and acquisition reform are increasingly interconnected in modern defence planning.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
However, its premise also illustrates the very ideological hypocrisy that has alienated much of the public from the press.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

Rising global demand to extract battery metals like cobalt, nickel, and manganese makes mining increasingly likely.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
Both the driver and semi were taken to the Newton-Azrak Station in Murrieta, where hazardous response specialists extracted the liquid contents from the tank, which tested positive for meth, the release said.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of extract

Verb

There, local fishermen demonstrated their sustainable crayfish harvesting process, and as a spectacular touch, the helicopter lifted one of the crayfish tanks straight out of the ocean, giving our client a dramatic view of the abundant catch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
French youths have been demonstrating over poor conditions at school buildings, and analysts expect unrest to intensify after a teenager’s hand was blown off by a riot police sting grenade.

— Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of demonstrate

Verb

Thompson lodged criticisms for Jones’ Silicon Valley donors, shifting policy positions and associations with healthcare companies that were fined for denying care.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
The Florida school was also fined $1,500 and must host an athletic department compliance workshop.

— Jack Leo, AJC.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of fine

Verb

Begich’s name recognition presents a hurdle for Hill’s campaign, but some Democrats tried to clear a better path for Hill.

— Becky Bohrer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
That was no more evidenced than in the final lap, when teammate Christopher Bell vied for Briscoe’s spot and took the low line on Turns 3 and 4 and even knocked into Briscoe but couldn’t clear his car.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of clear

Browse Nearby Words

clarifies

clarify

clarifying

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Clarify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clarify. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of clarify

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes