1
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
a clear-cut case of plagiarism that resulted in her immediate dismissal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
clear-cut instructions that even an idiot should be able to follow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clear-cut
For glaring red flags like physical violence and overt manipulation, the next steps often seem more clear-cut: Step in.
—
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 June 2025
But Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s feud is a pretty clear-cut example that men are just as prone to emotional outbursts, bad judgment, and ridiculous behavior as any woman.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 6 June 2025
Read more: Steelers' Stance on Aaron Rodgers, QB Situation Revealed
At 26 years old, Fields is the clear-cut starting quarterback for the Jets.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Doing so meant turning down UNC’s hefty financial package to return as the team’s clear-cut starting wing.
—The Athletic College Basketball, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 June 2025
But Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s feud is a pretty clear-cut example that men are just as prone to emotional outbursts, bad judgment, and ridiculous behavior as any woman.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 6 June 2025
Read more: Steelers' Stance on Aaron Rodgers, QB Situation Revealed
At 26 years old, Fields is the clear-cut starting quarterback for the Jets.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Doing so meant turning down UNC’s hefty financial package to return as the team’s clear-cut starting wing.
—The Athletic College Basketball, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
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But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
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But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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The second critical factor is establishing explicit working models and expectations upfront.—
AJ Bubb,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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The attack followed Qatar's decision to close its airspace amid rising tensions and explicit threats from Tehran.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Birdsong’s apparent beanball came in the exact time and place that the unwritten rules prescribe: two outs, bases empty, first pitch.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Adding to its collection this month is Twin Peaks, director David Lynch’s most definite work.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
16 June 2025
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She’s Got No Name marks a definite shift in tone and mood for the 40-year veteran who has never been afraid of jumping genres, from the romance of Comrades: Almost a Love Story (1996) to the action of The Warlords (2007) and on to the comedy of American Dreams in China (2013).—
Mathew Scott,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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The pattern is unmistakable: just as Enron triggered SOX, AI governance failures will trigger mandatory expertise requirements.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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The symbolism of the decision to target this base—the same one that U.S. President Donald Trump visited only two months ago during his tour of Gulf states, and one located in a country that maintains close ties to and shares an offshore gas field with Iran—is unmistakable.—
Dana Stroul,
Foreign Affairs,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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The following guide is the definitive travel companion for pop culture lovers, adventurers, and anyone who’s ever related to Victoria Ratliff’s (Parker Posey) refusal to live an uncomfortable life.—
Ashlee Marie Preston,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Such discrepancies in Bach’s manuscripts show that no definitive version of the Mass exists and that modern performers are free to follow their intuition.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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To help guide you through the rest of summer and beyond, dermatologists help break down what body acne is, how to treat it, and the best kinds of products to have in rotation for smoother, clearer skin all over.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
28 June 2025
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This simple, clear shift in communication started to highlight the reality of who was contributing what.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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This is largely owed to its specific reliance on getting lost among all those references, but an equally major culprit is its constantly shifting theme and focus.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
26 June 2025
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Availability/coverage While there is likely only one cable TV provider in your area (due to agreements between companies to maintain specific regions), access to satellite TV and over a dozen streaming services provides a broader range of TV and internet bundle options.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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