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

Relevance

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
There are major hurdles, however, including fitting sports cleanly into the perp market structure and gaining regulatory approval. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026 Synthetic cells allow scientists to more cleanly test how the surrounding membrane separates the inside of a cell from its environment, how genetic instructions are read, how energy is used, and how growth and division are coordinated. — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 8 July 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
  • Federal public health authorities cannot legally mandate that private health data be reported.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Money has started to enter into the equation with high school athletes, players cannot only legally accept NIL deals at the prep level, but there is also money being tossed around illegally, as athletes are enticed to transfer to certain schools.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of legally
Adjective
  • Typical customers served by sanitary wastewater systems using 3,500 gallons of water would see an increase of about $28 per month.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • The temporary power outage caused a sanitary sewer overflow on Patapsco Avenue, which was quickly slowed by DPW's Utility Maintenance Division, officials stated.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Definition of sanitary
Adjective
  • Fahmy says these elements can impart a warmth that makes a space feel less sterile.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026
  • Some arrive in sterile-looking vials, often promoted by fitness influencers.
    — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • Properly handle and dispose of trash and pet waste to maintain a hygienic environment for everyone.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026
  • Drip Line is an expandable kitchen aid that fits over every sink, creating a hygienic place to store and dry out rags.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Definition of hygienic
Adjective
  • By the logic of pure procurement, AI bills should be shrinking.
    — Roman Shemet, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The pure thermal spring water contains postbiotic microflora, which can calm the skin and reduce redness.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 July 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Linger there for some stargazing beneath a sky totally untainted by light.
    — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
  • The motion concluded an untainted special counsel was necessary because the issues involved allegations of contempt and misconduct at high levels in the Justice Department.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Definition of untainted
Adjective
  • Produce should then be thoroughly washed, even if it’s labeled as pre-washed.
    — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 20 July 2026
  • Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged salad mixes.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of washed
Adjective
  • The Dodgers love to project a wholesome, family-friendly essence.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • Enjoy it with yogurt for a wholesome breakfast or as a crunchy topping for desserts.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026
Definition of wholesome

Browse Nearby Words

cleanliness
cleanly
cleanness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on cleanly

Nglish: Translation of cleanly for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of sultry

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All