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
Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 22 Jan. 2026
That’s why retailers are consolidating ERP with commerce, marketing, sales and service into a single, integrated stack—so enterprise data stays clean and connected (therefore functional) across the business.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026
David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The group takes in donations from the public of gently warn shoes, and then thousands of volunteers help clean and restore those shoes to pristine condition.
—Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
Gannon Burgett, Car and Driver, 28 Mar. 2023
These services sell carbon credits offered by NGOs and governments that, using offset proceeds, plant mangroves, distribute clean-burning stoves, preserve grasslands, and install digesters to capture cooking gas from manure among other types of projects.
—Time, 21 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for clean
Adjective
For anyone who loves the idea of a mani that looks clean and intentional (but hates the upkeep), this nail concealer feels like the perfect everyday solution.
—Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 22 Jan. 2026
That’s why retailers are consolidating ERP with commerce, marketing, sales and service into a single, integrated stack—so enterprise data stays clean and connected (therefore functional) across the business.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
Also see: Despite their own Eaton fire losses, Pasadena-area day laborers step up to clean their town, and help each other
The event on Thursday is from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Pasadena Community Job Center500 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena.
—David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The group takes in donations from the public of gently warn shoes, and then thousands of volunteers help clean and restore those shoes to pristine condition.
—Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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
These services sell carbon credits offered by NGOs and governments that, using offset proceeds, plant mangroves, distribute clean-burning stoves, preserve grasslands, and install digesters to capture cooking gas from manure among other types of projects.
—Time, 21 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for clean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clean
Adjective
-
Despite the busy holiday rush, many South Florida restaurants and food trucks managed to keep their premises spotless in December, from beloved staples (Rustic Inn Crabhouse) to new spots (Sotogrande at Pier Sixty-Six).—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Michelle Buteau doesn’t believe in perfect mornings, spotless sweatpants, or rigid holiday rituals.—
Leslie D. Rose,
Parents,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Lopez Lyman speaks about the January 7 death of Renee Nicole Good, a white woman and legal observer who was shot and killed by an ICE officer, and compares the current situation to the time following police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder of George Floyd in 2020.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Espinoza Martinez, who was born in Mexico, has lived in the United States for decades and does not have legal permission to remain in the country, according to federal authorities.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to pure retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this unique product features retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant-rich skin protectant, as well as retinyl acetate, a natural form of vitamin A that keeps pores clean while stimulating collagen production.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Minnesota state investigators would need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation to move forward with potential state charges against the unnamed ICE agent who fatally shot Good, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Even as Trump looks to boost American hydrocarbon profits in Venezuela, the gas tap for Europe is a simple – and likely effective – tool that could be used as leverage by the White House.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Brooklyn Councilmember Lincoln Restler participated in a double red blood cell donation, calling it a simple but powerful way to help others.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.—
Michael Abbott,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
That devoid ingredient hindered things exponentially.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Feb. 2024
Verb
-
Rinse with warm water and wipe with a microfiber cloth.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Let the towel remain on the stovetop for at least 15 minutes and then wipe with a clean cloth to remove debris.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Everglades restoration involves removing as many of these dams as possible without risking flood control, while adding more reservoirs for water storage, all to revive a river of grass that flows once more.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Staff immediately removed him from his cell and provided medical aid.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clean. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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