Synonyms of clear-cut

clear-cut

adjective

ˈklir-ˈkət 

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

• obvious
• apparent
• unmistakable
• clear
• evident
• straightforward
• distinct
• unambiguous
• broad
• unequivocal
• simple
• lucid
• visible
• transparent
• manifest
• plain
• decided
• perspicuous
• bright-line
• luminous
• crystal clear
• open-and-shut
• ringing
• palpable
• barefaced
• bald
• pellucid
• patent
• comprehensible
• explicit
• noticeable
• unambivalent
• understandable
• tangible
• intelligible
• bald-faced
• nonambiguous
• recognizable
• luculent
• uncomplicated
• discernible
• knowable
• appreciable
• tidy
• clean-cut
• cognizable
• digestible
• sensible
• overt
• fathomable
• self-evident
• observable
• perceptible
• comprehendible
• self-explanatory
• graspable
• black-and-white
• undisguised
• trenchant
• readable
• well-defined
• legible
• decipherable
• cognoscible
• clean
• fair

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ambiguous
• unclear
• obscure
• mysterious
• indistinct
• dark
• equivocal
• cryptic
• enigmatic
• clouded
• incomprehensible
• unintelligible
• unfathomable
• indecipherable
• unknowable
• vague
• subtle
• unapparent
• imperceptible
• nonobvious
• gray
• unclarified
• nebulous
• indeterminate
• indefinite
• impalpable
• obfuscated
• slippery
• hazy
• inappreciable
• imprecise
• sketchy
• murky
• insensible
• cloudy
• noncommittal
• indiscernible
• misty
• gauzy
• illegible
• unreadable
• undecipherable

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

• explicit
• definite
• definitive
• specific
• express
• unambiguous
• unmistakable
• unequivocal
• comprehensive
• literal
• clear
• complete
• simple
• univocal
• precise
• comprehensible
• full
• stated
• categorical
• specified
• distinct
• avowed
• exhaustive
• straightforward
• understandable
• declared
• lucid
• certain
• exact
• well-defined
• direct
• sure
• intelligible
• plain

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• implicit
• inferred
• implied
• unclear
• dark
• ambiguous
• obscure
• cryptic
• enigmatic
• vague
• incorrect
• circuitous
• inaccurate
• imprecise
• inexact
• equivocal
• indefinite
• incomprehensible
• unintelligible
• inexplicit
• unspecific

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of clear-cut

Welcome to the postelection vote-count slog in California, where tight races are often impossible to call even when the initial results seem clear-cut. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026

The debate over exterior lighting is not clear-cut; factors such as energy use, security concerns, placement, and even local wildlife come into play. — Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026

But other experts say the apparent discovery may not be so clear-cut. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 May 2026

Ordinarily, the advice would be to rip up your team to triple-up on the clubs with two fixtures, but this time around, things maybe aren’t as clear-cut. — Holly Shand, New York Times, 8 May 2026