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
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-cut
The laws of neutrality don’t distinguish between aggressor and victim, because those distinctions are not always clear-cut.
—
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
The upcoming La Nina looks to be on the weaker end of the spectrum, which could also affect how clear-cut its influence becomes.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
The timeline for the female sand tiger sharks was surprisingly clear-cut.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The decision by Adelman, one of the most liberal federal judges in the country, is pretty clear-cut and does not appear to leave Dugan's legal team much room for an appeal to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
The upcoming La Nina looks to be on the weaker end of the spectrum, which could also affect how clear-cut its influence becomes.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
The timeline for the female sand tiger sharks was surprisingly clear-cut.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The decision by Adelman, one of the most liberal federal judges in the country, is pretty clear-cut and does not appear to leave Dugan's legal team much room for an appeal to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
-
However, the severity of the storm soon became obvious.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
After curing the potatoes, pick through them once more and remove any potatoes with obvious signs of damage.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This represents a more explicit approach than the February policy change, which allowed erotica in certain contexts but lacked age-gating infrastructure.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 Oct. 2025
-
While a reference to Democrats alone likely doesn't constitute a violation of the law, the explicit blaming of their party for the shutdown may, said Michael Fallings, a partner at Tully Rinckey, an employment law firm.—
NPR,
NPR,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Washington — New air traffic control audio captures pilots in an apparent struggle to regain control of a private business jet as the plane plunged into woods near Lansing, Michigan on Thursday, killing all three on board.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
-
A lot has happened to the Jeep since American soldiers planted a flag on Iwo Jima, but after 80 years, the family resemblance of today’s Jeep Wrangler to the original is still readily apparent, though contemporary models are thoroughly modern cars.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Gaining more plants is a definite bonus.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Riley did not have definite updates on Sanders’ and Jordan’s health after the game.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The production, the rhythm, the message and Langley’s unmistakable voice meld mightily to make this an irresistible track and further cement Langley as one of the genre’s brightest newcomers.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Analyzing over 20 million AI shopping agent conversations revealed an unmistakable pattern.—
Fayez Mohamood,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
There is no deadline or definitive timetable set for completion of the strategic alternatives review process.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Appearing Wednesday evening on NewsNation, Homan was more definitive.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Access to existing parking lot in question But the situation may not be so clear cut.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Yet much of Mason’s advice is simply about being useful, by delivering facts and opinions in a clear, elegant way.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Forgery is also about persuasion, and certain forgeries have specific attributes.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Instead, they’re built for narrower, specialized tasks—and often shine in specific use cases.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share