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
Lone star and other tick species eventually receded as forests were clear-cut.
—
Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 12 Feb. 2026
While people on both sides have sought to portray these cases as clear-cut, the reality is that use-of-force determinations are rarely simple.
—Diane Goldstein, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Clinicians and researchers find that mental health is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue, and trends regarding teens' well-being aren't clear-cut or universal.
—CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Clinicians and researchers find that mental health is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue, and trends regarding teens’ well-being aren’t clear-cut or universal.
—Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 12 Feb. 2026
While people on both sides have sought to portray these cases as clear-cut, the reality is that use-of-force determinations are rarely simple.
—Diane Goldstein, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Clinicians and researchers find that mental health is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue, and trends regarding teens' well-being aren't clear-cut or universal.
—CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Clinicians and researchers find that mental health is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue, and trends regarding teens’ well-being aren’t clear-cut or universal.
—Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
-
Chapman followed with an RBI single, and the crowd cheered as many fans jumped to their feet in obvious relief.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The voice on Lars’s tablet insisted that teaching was one of the most obvious tasks to delegate to humanoids.—
Alexandra Petri,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The law gives immigration judges significant discretion to suspend public access to court proceedings — they are required to close hearings in matters involving spousal abuse and minor children, for example, unless there’s explicit direction from the affected people to do otherwise.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
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The United States and Israel have pursued a high-stakes geopolitical objective in Iran with the explicit aim of reshaping regional power balances, but the unintended consequence may be an equally profound reshaping of financial market regimes.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Then Evans made another 3, prompting Pitino to turn his back in apparent disbelief.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The White House’s inability to grasp the agency of others — its apparent lack of a theory of mind for everyone outside its walls — gives Democrats, especially, a distinct advantage.—
Jamelle Bouie,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There is a definite downside, though.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
One definite booking is the Gene Simmons Legends of Rock Expo in Las Vegas in late September where Dave will appear alongside Simmons, Disturbed bassist John Moyer, Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice, Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice, and Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The point of dropping bombs in Cuba, then, wouldn’t be to subdue the Cuban armed forces so much as to produce a visible, unmistakable rupture—a before and after that Trump can point to.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
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The message to investors is unmistakable.—
Jeff Coller,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
He then was sent back to the IceHogs, a somewhat surprising move given the Hawks’ need for a definitive shooter outside of Bedard.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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According to Federal Donuts Founders In addition to recipes, the new Federal Donuts book also includes a definitive guide to donuts across the country.—
David Farley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For a metro growing as fast as Charlotte, stores that survive will have clear identity on price, in-store experience or convenience, Lempert said.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2026
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The board terminated him, and now, for this latest incident to happen, the school board is sending another clear message.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Strong feedback is specific, behavior-based, and tied to outcomes.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Missouri Secretary of State’s office offers an online tool to help voters look up their specific polling place for this election.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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