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 binder dissolved, allowing the electrode coatings to separate cleanly from their metal foils without leaving residues. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 Someone has to structure information so agents can retrieve it cleanly, and track what agents search for and fail to find, because those gaps are now a direct signal of where customers are getting bad answers. — Han Wang, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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 couple legally married in March 2026 during an intimate ceremony at Conor’s family home in Los Angeles, followed by a family lunch—and then dove headfirst into preparations for their celebrations in Brazil this weekend.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Among other requests, the suit also asks the court to declare that the county can legally opt out of the legislation.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of legally
Adjective
  • Attempting to de-escalate the scare, Rospotrebnadzor declared the regional sanitary situation stable after secondary testing showed no traces of dangerous pathogens linked to Shipilova’s research.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of sanitary
Adjective
  • The second stories house supplies of the metals, films, and components needed, as well as a very substantial set of HVAC equipment to keep the processes sterile, dust-free, and at the right temperature.
    — John Voelcker, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Right now yeast fermentation is the standard method of producing heme (as leghemoglobin), but the sterile environment and industrial equipment necessary for manufacturing can be pricey.
    — Lila Magbilang, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • Plus, the product features a push-jar for extra hygienic application (AKA, no scooping product out of the jar with your fingers).
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of hygienic
Adjective
  • Sometimes, maybe once in every eight plays, the track scans as pure camp to me.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Reactions, however, ranged from pure fascination and respect for his 12-year project to critics questioning whether Tomlin, who parted ways with the Steelers in January of this year, had devoted too much time to his virtual city.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Plant operators must prove to nearby towns that their water tables remain untainted.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Even so, Ursula is a more complicated proposition than that wholesome image suggests.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Romantic and wholesome, this set is made from a linen blend to help reduce wrinkling.
    — Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 7 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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