CLEAR-CUT Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

clear-cut

adjective

ˈklir-ˈkət

Definition of clear-cut

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

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 For younger women, the picture is less clear-cut, which is one reason experts say healthcare providers should proactively discuss perimenopause with patients in their 30s and 40s rather than waiting until symptoms become severe. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 The airport’s public-facing website isn’t clear-cut about who’s paying for the changes. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026 What the heat dome means for wildfire activity in the West is less clear-cut. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 For the advertisers, however, the strategy appears less clear-cut. — Shann Biglione, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear-cut

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut

Adjective

The tents with a bathroom in them, a seemingly obvious upgrade from those without (there’s a communal washroom), have toilets that aren’t completely enclosed.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Put the paths of 1991, 2009 and 2027 on a globe, and the approximately 120-degree westward jump between successive members becomes immediately obvious.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Police say that Wyatt continued the conversations even after being informed that the person was 13, going as far as requesting explicit photos.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
But ambiguity typically plays to the advantage of the stronger party; such hedging from Washington was as good as an explicit endorsement of the Israeli position.

— KHALED ELGINDY, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

The pump wagon’s relevance to Bowery culture will only be apparent in the exhibition’s final gallery, which is dominated by a comparable artifact, Brad Kalhammer’s installation Bowery Nation (1985–2012).

— J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
The latest frontier model, with apparent human-level faculties, had gone rogue – displaying dangerous, even devious online behaviors.

— Michael Serazio, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

There’s definite enthusiasm and activity — and backed up by financial support — something which for such an iconic brand has been a very long time coming.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Food and drink The food is a definite highlight here, with several places to eat and drink.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

There’s an unmistakable impression throughout that this woman… or whatever is pretending to be one… might burn down the house.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Dramatic, chaotic and yet totally controlled, the productions by Saul Milton and Will Kennard are unmistakable.

— Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

Hernández, 40, played professionally from 2005 to 2019, spending his entire illustrious 15-season Major League career as the definitive ace for the Mariners.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026
Vistra must still meet technical, legal, environmental and financial requirements before the agency signs definitive financing agreements or provides any funds.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

Iit was clear that Chiefs fans missed seeing Suamataia and hoped to hear why the Chiefs had made the change to the offensive line for the game between 3-0 teams.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Cutting loose McDaniel would be expensive, too, and there’s no clear successor waiting in the wings.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

Shaheen and Wicker in their letter sent late Tuesday are urging the administration to take several specific steps to impose the sanctions regime.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat It Health care providers use the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to classify trypanophobia as a specific phobia of the blood-injection-injury type.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of specific

Browse Nearby Words

clearances

clear-cut

cleared

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“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

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