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 Due to an editing error, this story has been updated to correct the locations of the districts on the map and to clarify that Dave Jans is a current parks commissioner. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026 The legislation also would clarify standards for athletes’ healthcare, academic progress and eligibility, Tia Mitchell reports. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026 But in subsequent updates to its NHS study, Grail clarified that Stage IV cancer diagnoses (not combined with Stage III) decreased over its three-year study period, suggesting tests may have shifted cancer diagnosis to earlier stages. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026 Zahnd’s family on Monday called on state police to clarify the details of the agency’s investigation. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clarify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clarify

Verb

Every Washington Nationals player filtered into the news conference room at Nationals Park on Friday afternoon, taking their seats among Cade Cavalli’s family, team ownership and staff members.

— Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Because the platform focuses on older adults, users do not have to begin by filtering through the full age range found on a mainstream service.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of filter

Verb

By comparison, strong fluid flows elongated the cells and caused DNA damage, a crucial control detail that explains why past experiments might have yielded misleading results.

— Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Rowe explained that someone buying a pair of running shoes often sends them back after wearing it for a day to try on the fit.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

Tracking those appearances could help astronomers map the cluster's mass and refine measurements of the universe's expansion rate.

— Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026
This could improve construction planning, reduce risks and refine structural simulations.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of refine

Verb

The boomer’s reckoning Voeste grew up in Dortmund, the coal-and-steel city whose fate has long illustrated the dangers of clinging to an industrial past after its economics have changed.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
This is well illustrated at Dia Beacon, where the sculpture Relatum (formerly System), 1969, sits near two paintings both titled With Winds, 1991.

— Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

Heat is transferred from surrounding rock into the system rather than extracting hot groundwater from underground formations.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
Donica said the gypstacks contain rare earth minerals that could be extracted one day with the proper technology, a proposal that university researchers in the state are actively working on.

— Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of extract

Verb

Four others from the Bryant pit crew also were fined and put on probation because of their participation in a separate altercation after the conclusion of the second heat race at the Virginia track.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
In fact, airlines are regularly fined by the DOT for violating various federal rules, so travelers should be ready to advocate for themselves when these situations arise.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of fine

Verb

By the time the ceremony began, the skies had thankfully cleared.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
After a cool and unsettled weekend, warmer weather is expected to return this week, with skies clearing Tuesday and temperatures climbing into the mid-80s by Thursday and Friday before another change brings cooler, wetter conditions for the weekend.

— The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of clear

Browse Nearby Words

clarifies

clarify

clarifying

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“Clarify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clarify. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clarify

verb

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