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cleanly 1 of 2

adverb

ˈklēn-lē How to pronounce cleanly (audio)
Definition of cleanlynext
as in legally
according to the rules or the law it was a cleanly fought match, so you have no grounds for complaint

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cleanly

2 of 2

adjective

as in sanitary

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 cleanly
Adverb
The sequence looks far different if Gill hits the punt cleanly and ASU takes over near midfield or beyond with roughly 20 seconds remaining. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026 Advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, infrastructure, and communications no longer sort cleanly into civilian or military applications, Hatley said. — Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Director Jennifer Chang understands clearly and cleanly which moments need specific tones and moods. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 Among the 21 artists are Julia Chon and Dave Young Kim, who offer cleanly hard-edge paintings of, respectively, a woman in traditional garb and two storks below two strands of barbed wire. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanly
  1. legally
  2. sanitary
  3. sterile
  4. hygienic
  5. pure
  6. untainted
  7. washed
  8. wholesome
Adverb
  • The White House announced the cuts through a legally nebulous ‘pocket rescission’ just five days before the fiscal year ends.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The murder weapon is of course important evidence, but legally it’s not required to get a guilty verdict.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of legally
Adjective
  • As the war raged on, this makeshift countermeasure was replaced by more sanitary and effective innovations, including gauze pads soaked in hyposulfite solution, flannel hoods, tube helmets, and box respirators.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Here’s what our pros recommend for dusting your bedroom to keep it sanitary and easy to breathe in.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanitary
Adjective
  • That’s because orchids live in sterile bark or moss with high airflow.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
  • This grading is critically different from that of purified products graded for use in sterile injectable drugs.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • Once dry, the items can remain protected inside the machine in a hygienic storage environment supported by a medical-grade HEPA filter.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Add a deep clean every one to three months to provide a hygienic environment for your food.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of hygienic
Adjective
  • The South Korean head of state concluded a successful official visit to Mexico this week with a stop that was pure K-pop, featuring one of his country’s most representative musical groups.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2026
  • This is pure comfort, but keeping slippers on the first, second, and third floor means never having to go up or down possibly three flights of stairs to locate them.
    — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • In theory, this untainted market response can then guide Fed officials debating whether to raise or lower rates.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Linger there for some stargazing beneath a sky totally untainted by light.
    — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
Definition of untainted
Adjective
  • Made from naturally breathable, skin-friendly, pre-washed linen, the quilt is designed to hold up for years while growing softer with every wash.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As the Cyclospora outbreak grows, experts recommend washing all fresh produce that hasn’t been pre-washed—not just lettuce.
    — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of washed
Adjective
  • Penne with Lentils and Feta Hearty and wholesome, this picnic pasta salad is loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lentils, salty cheese, and parsley, all cloaked in a light and bright red wine vinaigrette.
    — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Here are some of our favourite places for a wholesome day out.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of wholesome

Browse Nearby Words

cleanliness
cleanly
cleanness
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Cite this Entry

“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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