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
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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
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.
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.
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.