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
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
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
Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Structure Over Personality Can things run cleanly when you’re focused elsewhere?
—Ryan McGrath, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Adverb
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
Adjective
Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman couldn’t field the ball cleanly, allowing Benintendi to reach first safely as Austin Slater touched home for the game-tying run.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Structure Over Personality Can things run cleanly when you’re focused elsewhere?
—Ryan McGrath, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanly
Adverb
-
In fact, no bears under 100 pounds can be legally taken.—
Chris Dorsey,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Nearly every state requires motorists to carry some amount of liability insurance to be on the road legally.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
They were trapped there for a week without electricity, without sanitary bathrooms, without adequate food or water.—
Asha Bandele,
Essence,
25 June 2025
-
The company carried out fleet-wide safety upgrades aimed at preventing engine room fires, and changed its terms and conditions, removing caveats about wholesome food, sanitary and safe living conditions, safe passage, and a sea-worthy vessel.—
Chris Vognar,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Some varieties are sterile and do not produce fruit.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
-
Much of the factory was supposed to be as sterile as an operating room.—
Debbie Cenziper,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
The outdoor splash park will have 15 interactive features from gentle jets to fountains to misting stations while also designed for safety with non-slip surfaces and other hygienic protections.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Pros: The packaging keeps the formula stable and is more hygienic than a jar Cons: None This nourishing formula is a favorite among dermatologists.—
Deanna Pai,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Add in the pure creativity and skill of Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat (legit competitors in their own rights, albeit in smaller bodies), and the two-way play of Dylan Larkin and Nate Danielson, and the future forward lineup starts to look pretty balanced.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
-
As Electrek points out, the E-VO isn't a pure Honda product.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 29,
New Atlas,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
There is a new young star to put on billboards around the team and throw into commercials, one who, unlike Davis, is untainted by a trade that will live in infamy. Harrison, pilloried in the aftermath of the Dončić trade, somehow got some salvation, though not forgiveness.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
-
Our Lady was chaste, willingly, willfully passive, untainted by the grottiness of ordinary life.—
Lamorna Ash,
The Dial,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
This is a most wholesome promise of the monetary innovation that continues to gather strength in contemporary times.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Parents may have wholesome bedtime routines for their kids, involving bath time, story time, and music.—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
The island’s primitive campsites are a great way to enjoy the unpolluted dark skies in a serene atmosphere.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2025
-
This is not just good for farmers, but for the 1.8 million people who rely on unpolluted water from our three county reservoirs.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share