clear 1 of 3

Definition of clearnext
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clear

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verb

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as in to empty
to remove the contents of cleared a drawer so there would be a place to store his clothes

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as in to open
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way the early settlers worked hard to clear the land for crops

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as in to smooth
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions plows promptly cleared the roads of snow

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as in to earn
to receive after charges and deductions have been made cleared enough from that stock transaction to be able to afford a new luxury automobile

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as in to pay
to give what is owed for finally cleared the last debt

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clear

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adverb

as in through

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective clear contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clear are limpid, translucent, and transparent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When could limpid be used to replace clear?

Although the words limpid and clear have much in common, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

When can translucent be used instead of clear?

The synonyms translucent and clear are sometimes interchangeable, but translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

When would transparent be a good substitute for clear?

While the synonyms transparent and clear are close in meaning, transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

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 clear
Adjective
Nowhere is the impact of poor strategy clearer than in regulation and economic policy. Steve Hershey, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026 One of the largest great white sharks tagged by scientists along the East Coast is lingering off North Carolina for reasons that aren’t quite clear, according to a tracker fitted to its dorsal fin. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
For areas south and east of the city, a change to plain rain is anticipated before clearing later in the night. Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 Across the region, skies will clear from west to east. Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
Lee made a video about the clear-shoe trend, adopted by the likes of Simone Rocha and Loewe for spring 2026; Loewe layered socks of different colors with transparent kitten heels. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025 Leclerc had moved to the more durable mediums and was able to pull clear after the initial gains made by his rival. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • After Son left in the summer to join MLS side Los Angeles FC, there was no obvious alternative apart from Guglielmo Vicario.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • If the main subject isn’t obvious across most frames, the video often won’t show up in search.
    Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In one of the experiments, the researchers would set two empty, transparent cups on a table between them.
    Nathan Rott, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Orders for silver, gold and other precious metals are typically locked in at a transparent price, shipments are insured for their full value and tracking is standard.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Last year Republicans passed legislation to reduce spending on federal health programs and food assistance, largely by imposing work requirements on people receiving aid and by shifting certain costs onto the states.
    Ali Swenson, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Late last year, shareholders voted to approve a new pay package that could be worth $1 trillion, paid out in 12 tranches, if Tesla hits certain milestones, including market cap gains and operational achievements, over the next decade.
    Robert Frank,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • An idyllic weekend should be ahead for North Texas with balmy temperatures and sunny days, but rain could be around the corner.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Looking ahead to the weekend, conditions are expected to be sunny, breezy and dry.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other hand, research on how strongly protein, red meat, saturated fat and dairy are linked with chronic disease risk is much less conclusive.
    Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Florida law makes grand jury proceedings secret, so the silence isn’t conclusive.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Inspired by Swiss chalet design, this cozy mountain hut offers unobstructed forest views—you’ll feel fully enveloped in nature.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The Rooms The 47 guest rooms and suites are housed in buildings, wrapped in tropical flowers, where unobstructed ocean views anchor the spaces.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Chris Harrison sparked controversy Wednesday for a seemingly innocent request posted on social media.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The modern Western culture around nudity really teaches you shame about something that is so human and natural and innocent.
    Nicola Dall'Asen, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Eloise's shining moment comes in Quinn's To Sir Phillip, With Love, and follows her love story with Sir Phillip Crane—yes, that Phillip, who married his late brother's true love Marina Thompson.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Her world, fueled by her life, was the shining and irrefutable definition of integrity.
    Josh Peter, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.

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