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 House Enrolled Act 1408 includes language clarifying parental consent for children under age 16, and age verification requirements for social media companies. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026 The legislation also clarified that e-bike riders need to follow regular traffic laws and sit only on the permanent, attached seat. — Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 Tesla has not clarified if its semitruck has an automatic emergency braking system. — Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The report clarified that 20 years ago, the woman had received a titanium and ceramic hip joint. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 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
  • This light-filtering curtain can instantly update any living room or bedroom with its vintage toile pattern that strikes the perfect balance between modern and grandmother-approved decor.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
  • Some hurricane windows can filter out up to 90% of ultraviolet rays, which protects your furniture, carpet, drapes and artwork from fading.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of filter
Verb
  • Lobello explains why soccer is such an efficient form of exercise and what the World Cup could mean for adults looking to get active.
    — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Shimizu voluntarily stayed in Vietnam after World War II to join the Việt Minh resistance, opposing French colonial reoccupation, the photographer explained.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Oil needs to be refined into products and fuels people can use, including asphalt, plastic, heating oil, jet fuel, diesel and gasoline.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • The product of millions of years of evolution rather than countless lines of code, refined by the brutal simplicity of survival.
    — Dana Suskind, Time, 14 July 2026
Definition of refine
Verb
  • Governing Oceans Through Data Indonesia’s experience illustrates a broader global transformation in maritime governance.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026
  • By redoing it, albeit with more high-tech equipment than was available in 1919, Harksen hopes to illustrate that even monumental experiments can be re-created by the average person.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • If the reorganization lag is being compounded by organized friction rather than just cost and complexity, the 8-to-12-year timeline Goldman extracted from the ICT era may turn out to be optimistic.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 July 2026
  • Because the Lighthouse Nebula is relatively faint in X-rays, the researchers developed new analysis techniques to extract as much information as possible from the observations.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of extract
Verb
  • Realta added that the Hammir prototype will help demonstrate the company’s fusion approach before commercial deployment.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
  • The artist, who works professionally as a lead UX/UI designer while maintaining a daily painting practice, said the recognition demonstrates that artists working in Kansas City can reach major milestones without leaving the region.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • When those citations occur, the buyer is fined at least $1,000 and their vehicle is towed.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
  • Ordinances typically require a fine to be paid, but Geiger said the county would not fine itself or its employees for violating the law.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
Definition of fine
Verb
  • The gateway earns its place where an integration is shared, permissioned, observable or reused across many agents, and buyers should be honest about how much of their tool access clears that bar.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • During first-half stoppage time, Mexicos’ César Montes received the ball inside the six-yard box, but Bellingham cleared what looked like a certain goal.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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