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

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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

For a softer effect, a liner that closely matches the natural lip color can define the edge without creating an obvious outline.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Whoever wins Congress inherits a stack of problems due to detonate over the next two years — just in time to crater 2028 ambitions — and few have obvious fixes.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

The customer can still say yes, but the tradeoff is explicit.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
An Indiana man was arrested this summer for allegedly stalking Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and sending her threatening and explicit messages on social media.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

Her campaign denies any involvement in the apparent Sullivan scheme, but the New York Times story and prior reporting could be used to call into question her fitness to serve.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
But Miami coach Mario Cristobal is not taking the Tar Heels’ defense lightly, even though UM has the apparent advantage.

— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Locals can buy memberships to hang at the pool (but not so many that hotel guests can’t get a chaise lounge), so the pool has a definite country-club vibe.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
The side effect of being able to reduce the risk of cancerous skin cells and potentially prevent future skin cancers is a definite bonus as well.

— Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

The subtle, but unmistakable, undercurrent of apple sweetness struck me as a bit of a magic trick in a bread that, otherwise, to the eye and hand was just a soft white loaf.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
The vamp features an unmistakable signature of the Italian house, a horsebit.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

After the final loss to Atlanta, none of the Liberty’s three star players — Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones — offered a definitive vote of confidence of DeMarco.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Her proposal calls for abolishing multiple government agencies that are critical to safeguarding our national security without providing definitive alternatives that would ensure their missions continue.

— Daniel Delgado, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

Shapiro told Semafor that he’ll be focused on passing a few specific items if his party wins full control of the government — not a parade of progressive bills, as Democrats in some swing states have done after winning the legislature.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
This approach is intended to reduce the amount of task-specific training required when deploying robots in new environments.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

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