clarify

verb

ˈkler-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce clarify (audio)
Definition of clarifynext
1
as in to filter
to remove usually visible impurities from clarify the melted butter by skimming off the milky bits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 But the 33-year-old Pivetta is quick to clarify the bus rules. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026 America’s version of the AQI was first created 50 years ago, as a way to standardize recording and reporting of pollutants and to clarify communications to the public. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 In his initial letter to Kennedy, Ossoff requested the secretary clarify if FoodNet has restored tracking of cyclospora cayetanensis, why tracking was terminated, and provide an update on investigations seeking the source and scope of the outbreak. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 July 2026 The owner later clarified the restaurant had not endorsed Jackson. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clarify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clarify
  1. filter
  2. explain
  3. refine
  4. illustrate
  5. extract
  6. demonstrate
  7. fine
  8. clear
Verb
  • Blending coming-of-age drama with a dreamlike, science-fiction edge, the film filters Argentina’s economic instability and the pull of the digital world through the perspective of a child searching for an escape.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • For starters, neither file is filtered beyond building classification code.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of filter
Verb
  • The enterprise fund is generated from airport user fees, such as airline terminal rents, aircraft landing fees, parking revenues and rental car customer facility charges, Johnson explained.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • Indefinite Causal Order Quantum systems often display behaviors that are difficult to explain with classical physics.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Engineers used collaborative digital environments to evaluate the design, identify potential issues, and refine components before manufacturing test hardware.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • This, in turn, can help refine our bigger-picture understanding of how stars and galaxies formed.
    — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 21 July 2026
Definition of refine
Verb
  • The backtracking illustrates how the politics of criminal justice have shifted since 2020, posing dilemmas for Democrats’ midterm strategy and their ability to enact their preferred solutions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • With so many clubs stuck in that vast middle, Detroit’s predicament illustrates the fluid nature of this deadline.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • The artisan copper stills used to extract essential oils and hydrosols are handcrafted by Copper Pro in Ukraine, incorporating a unique heating element that can be plugged in rather than using an open flame.
    — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026
  • During processing, the juices are extracted from the fruit, and the remaining flesh and fiber are discarded.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
Definition of extract
Verb
  • Only about half of employees in his research rated leaders highly in demonstrating care.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The complaint alleges those comments demonstrated bias and prejudice.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • The city is now focused on spoiled food waste cleanup, interim housing for affected residents, and fining Lineage over ongoing air quality issues.
    — Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • If models or other products break the EU’s sector regulations, called the AI Act, Brussels can fine the firms or cut off their access to the EU market.
    — Sam McNeil, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Definition of fine
Verb
  • Most dogs clear it, through their own immune response or a short course of a common chemotherapy drug.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The combination of these two groups feeding on a single stem of common milkweed cleared all the leaves and seed pods within three days.
    — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Definition of clear

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Cite this Entry

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

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