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 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 See All Example Sentences for clear-cut

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut

Adjective

In unionized environments with collective agreements, policy and law require a job posting even when the hire is obvious.

— Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Running was the most obvious trigger, but long walks, certain pilates classes, tight workout clothes, bathing suits, anything that involved movement or compression made the discomfort worse.

— Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Throughout her tenure, there have been moments that point to Silver’s explicit involvement in business decisions, a number of them occurring in the last year.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Cantone has not received explicit confirmation of whether the department is investigating her complaint, filed in January 2026, although the state agency asked her and Berretti for medical records from Guarino.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

Several police officers responded and found the suspect holding an apparent firearm.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
Elsewhere, manager David Moyes will have been satisfied that right-back Nathan Patterson, who has no apparent future at Everton, got enough minutes in Scotland’s three matches to provide a bargaining lever with any clubs interested in him.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Is Luke Nickel the definite backup quarterback behind starter Darian Mensah?

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Psychologists call the discomfort of this stage the need for cognitive closure, our desire to land on a definite answer just so the uncertainty will end.

— Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

Meanwhile, Vogue’s beauty editor-at-large, Arden Fanning Andrews, is a mineral sunscreen loyalist, while senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba prefers an SPF with an unmistakable glowy finish.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Generations of locals have grown up on its signature franks — split down the middle, grilled in a secret sauce, and served from an unmistakable pagoda-style stand.

— USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

Like many of the club’s acquisitions, Straus’ had been lauded as a definitive step in the right direction for a team that has largely underperformed.

— Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Americans are increasingly seeking innovative therapies for aging, chronic pain and longevity; often faster than science can provide definitive answers.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

European football returns to Wrexham this week with the size of the task facing the hosts clear on their Women’s Champions League debut.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The calendar is clear now for another global event that the world will be talking about.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

This allowed the federal government to more easily zero in on a common culprit that had been consumed, which in turn helped identify the source of an outbreak, such as a specific farm, ranch or distributor.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
In part, because of the safety-critical and specific knowledge needed to keep thousands of planes on track every day, airlines don’t often hire from other industries, especially at the top.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 19 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

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