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
The answer may be linked to the studied species’ promiscuous practices: in the Amboseli population, both sexes have multiple mating partners, so paternity isn’t always clear-cut.
—
Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 18 June 2025
On the Trumpist right, the prevailing view is that the government has been overtaken by left-wing ideologues and the only solution is to clear-cut the bureaucracy.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 18 June 2025
On the Trumpist right, the prevailing view is that the government has been overtaken by left-wing ideologues and the only solution is to clear-cut the bureaucracy.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
-
Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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But for me, the biggest thing is the collaborations, which are so obvious.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Family-friendly Offerings Hotel Marina Riviera doesn’t have any explicit family-minded amenities or offerings at the moment, but the baseline amenities are pretty family-friendly.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
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Similarly to the protagonist of Parable of the Sower, which is name-checked in 40 Acres, Emmanuel finds himself at odds with his parents’ view of the world and yearns for a community outside of the Freeman colony. 40 Acres opens with a bit of explicit world-building.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
-
The key was batting behind Ruth, a definite candidate for the greatest player.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 June 2025
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And given that toppers were developed specifically as a lighter, simpler alternative to full-bodied campers, designed to fit within limited midsize truck payloads, that extra beef is a definite problem for some shoppers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 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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Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
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To be fair, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is, well, the definitive inside story.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Instead, it must be positioned as a tool to enhance learning and creativity, with clear boundaries to prevent overuse.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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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
Adjective
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Walters noted that both direct and indirect loans to the general fund budget are drawn from special funds designated for specific purposes.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
26 June 2025
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At the briefing on Thursday, Caine went further, describing that six bunker-buster bombs were dropped down each of the two ventilation shafts with fuses programmed to detonate at specific times.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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