clear 1 of 3

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clear

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verb

1
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 pay
to give what is owed for finally cleared the last debt

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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 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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clear

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adverb

as in through

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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
The pattern is clear, and the list of terminations is growing. Angel Algarin, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025 Read more: Steelers Could Close the Door on Aaron Rodgers, Land 134-Touchdown QB Instead Despite the clear interest between the two parties, Rodgers remains a free agent. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
The ball, however, cleared the fan’s gloved hand and hit off his wrist, which was above the wall. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025 Logging out of apps, clearing browsing histories, and disabling biometric access are also recommended precautions. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Unlike in many other camper vans, the table relies solely on a locking gas strut and does not require a telescoping leg, keeping plenty of legroom clear below. New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2025 And More Everton did create a few chances against Aston Villa, but none were clear cut and none resulted in a goal. James Nalton, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • Dive your way around the island Courtesy of the Curaçao Tourist Board With more than 70 dive sites, crystal blue water, vibrant coral, and unique biodiversity, Curaçao is a haven for scuba divers.
    Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The skirt alone contains 190,000 crystal sequin and rhinestone embellishments, giving the entire piece a sweeping dress as Grande moves.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Strider was frustrated for obvious reasons and searching for answers.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And over the opening month of this season, Yamamoto’s confident mound presence has been mirrored behind the scenes, the pitcher becoming more vocal in game-planning meetings and assured in his clubhouse demeanor.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Both Roseman and Sirianni were confident that Mukuba could deliver the same blows in the NFL despite being undersized.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Your skin is exposed to UV rays both on cold, cloudy days and sunny ones.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Just like the name suggests, this moisture-wicking dress was designed to keep you cool on sunny, blisteringly hot days.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Estimates of people with other arrhythmias are less conclusive, but in general, people with arrhythmias are at higher risk of having heart attacks or strokes and dying early, Pell said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • While some studies have found potential associations—often at higher-than-recommended levels—experts caution that the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since 1973, at least 200 innocent people have been exonerated due to wrongful convictions.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In a nearly 400-page petition to the California Court of Appeals, filed Friday night, the LA Innocence Project argued Scott Peterson is innocent and his conviction should be overturned.
    Santina Leuci, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There were definitely moments that were less shining than others for me.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Why the Chargers drafted him: A versatile receiver who was tied for the sixth-fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, Lambert-Smith would be another option to help open the Chargers’ vertical passing game.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The announcement of Universal’s ambitious new UK theme park — a vast entertainment resort set to open near Bedford — is already sparking excitement across the leisure and retail industries.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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