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
as in sanitary
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cleanly
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026
The figures would have been difficult to interpret, anyway, because the large revisions to earlier months meant that the actually new numbers could not be cleanly isolated to show what happened in December alone, Nick Timaraos, the Wall Street Journal’s chief economics correspondent, noted.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Jill Lupupa, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
Other options like the fall apart-tender pork belly taco, topped with sour-sweet tamarind salsa, cleanly acidic gooseberry salsa, and bright serranos round out the thoughtful menu at Guerilla Tacos.
—Javier Cabral, Bon Appétit, 21 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Adverb
If the bark has fallen off or the twigs snap cleanly under light pressure, the branch is probably dead.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026
The figures would have been difficult to interpret, anyway, because the large revisions to earlier months meant that the actually new numbers could not be cleanly isolated to show what happened in December alone, Nick Timaraos, the Wall Street Journal’s chief economics correspondent, noted.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Ripa smiled at the camera with cleanly arched eyebrows, long eyelashes and long blonde locks that fell past her shoulders.
—Jill Lupupa, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
Other options like the fall apart-tender pork belly taco, topped with sour-sweet tamarind salsa, cleanly acidic gooseberry salsa, and bright serranos round out the thoughtful menu at Guerilla Tacos.
—Javier Cabral, Bon Appétit, 21 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanly
Adverb
-
Lauretti, the town’s mayor as well as the property owner, and B-Wizz, a developer, contend the board based its decision on arguments from neighbors that aren’t legally relevant under 8-30g.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Other Venezuelans entered legally at land ports of entry after scheduling interviews with border officers.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The number of immigration judges and staff should be significantly increased so that asylum applications can be decided on a much quicker basis, and individuals waiting on asylum decisions should be provided safe and sanitary conditions.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Jan. 2026
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Daily blackouts, widespread shortages, increasing levels of street violence and poor sanitary conditions have led many tour operators and airlines to drop the country and eliminate flights.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
This makes your home feel intentional and personal instead of sterile and unoriginal.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Many japonica camellias, in the manner of other botanical hybrids, are sterile with their yellow, thread-like stamens and stigmas either absent or invisible.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
For example, the idea that waxing is more hygienic than growing out your body hair gives viewers inaccurate information about how their body naturally functions.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
27 Dec. 2025
-
These pros are finally settling the debate and sharing the most hygienic way to flush your toilet.—
Halee Miller Van Ryswyk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
-
Meanwhile, a transparent, independent and untainted investigation is not optional.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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Databases are reportedly being compiled to assess generals’ backgrounds, family ties, and legal exposure in an attempt to identify individuals relatively untainted and capable of commanding respect.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The age of white-washed, super scant, and industrial spaces are behind us.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Eddie Bauer Queen-Size Troutdale Green Quilt Set Eddie Bauer’s light gray plaid quilt set comes pre-washed for extra softness.—
Kenedee Fowler,
Southern Living,
29 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In 1946, the aspiring actress set out on a path to become America's sweetheart and was photographed in a series of promotional photos throughout 1946 and 1947 that captured her wholesome allure.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
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Watch Lottie interact with elk in wholesome moment Video footage recorded by Dewey shows Lottie staring towards the camera as an elk approaches and cautiously walks closer to her.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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