1
as in spotless
free from dirt or stain
although the soccer team always starts out with clean uniforms, they don't stay that way for long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in legal
following or according to the rules
a clean check from the other hockey player
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3
as in pure
free from any trace of the coarse or indecent
only clean songs will be permitted for the performances on the last night of summer camp
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4
as in thorough
trying all possibilities
police made a clean sweep of the area before the governor's arrival
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5
as in simple
having no exceptions or restrictions
the clean joy of running that young children experience
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6
as in devoid
lacking contents that could or should be present
the ship returned with a clean hold
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1
as in to wipe
to remove the dirt from
we cleaned the clothes before donating them to charity
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2
as in to remove
to take the internal organs out of
cleaned the rabbit before cooking it
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1
as in legally
according to the rules or the law
a boxer who doesn't fight clean
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2
as in completely
to a full extent or degree
the thief got clean away
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clean
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Then, after the meal, my shoes came back—sparkling clean.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
Dampen contaminated areas before cleaning.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 13 June 2024
Natural Gas: Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel source that is generally less expensive than other fuels.
—Gannon Burgett, Car and Driver, 28 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for clean
Adjective
Simply add it to the base of the bowl and enjoy clean water that only needs refills without the scrubbing.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Then, after the meal, my shoes came back—sparkling clean.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Verb
Restricted airflow may cause the fan to overheat if it isn’t cleaned regularly.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
Dampen contaminated areas before cleaning.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Adverb
Up to this point, Eloise has been a staunch proponent of Penelope coming clean to Colin and quitting the Lady Whistledown operation for good.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 13 June 2024
Natural Gas: Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel source that is generally less expensive than other fuels.
—Gannon Burgett, Car and Driver, 28 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for clean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clean
Adjective
-
Hotel Bennett feels utterly fresh and spotless.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
Any unwanted fact or unpleasant experience is swiftly erased by the sheep’s wilfully short memories — only veteran merino Mopple (Chris O’Dowd) is unable to share in this collective spotless mind, carrying the knowledge that his cohorts have blithely shed.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The state Supreme Court let the referendum proceed but has yet to rule whether the effort is legal.—
Eric Tucker,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Staff and managers complained about the lack of specifics, as did legal-services providers and advocacy groups.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The sun and moon appear almost the same size in our sky by pure coincidence.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
-
Bubble Up has a more natural taste than many of its competitors because it’s made with pure cane sugar and lemon and lime oils, rather than high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, The Tasting Table reported.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Before departure, perform a thorough safety check to ensure your boat is in good working condition and free of potential hazards.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
-
Located inside a 1950s building, Klaus' apartment needed a thorough renovation.—
Leonie Rolinck,
Architectural Digest,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
These are products have a short, simple ingredient lists that are easy to understand for regular consumers and are free from additives.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
7 May 2026
-
Sometimes this involved simple in-person observations.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
This roster isn’t devoid of talent, even after the post-CBA free agency exodus that occurred this offseason.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
-
Plates like roasted bone marrow with beef tartare, lobster steam buns, and Dimock butter cake with popcorn comprise the menu, which is notably devoid of any seed oils.—
Taryn Shorr-Mckee,
Midwest Living,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Take another dry microfiber towel or old sock and wipe the solution on that slat.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water and wipe the surfaces thoroughly.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
On the Met steps, Osaka opened her dress and removed her headpiece for a grand reveal underneath.—
Beatrice Dupuy,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
-
While the salt helps with debris and odor, soap and warm water help to remove more residue and bacteria.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clean. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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