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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clear-cut
Both Democrats and Republicans have taken up the cause, reflecting a growing consensus that phones are bad for kids’ mental health and take their focus away from learning, even as some researchers say the issue is less clear-cut.
—
Jeff Amy, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
There’s something to be said for a clear-cut dichotomy, and for not putting a huge amount of energy into making every single aspect of your life perfect.
—Liana Finck, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images Josh Jacobs is the clear-cut starting running back and workhorse on the ground for the offense.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Backup quarterback Carson Beck is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Jeff Amy, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
There’s something to be said for a clear-cut dichotomy, and for not putting a huge amount of energy into making every single aspect of your life perfect.
—Liana Finck, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images Josh Jacobs is the clear-cut starting running back and workhorse on the ground for the offense.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Backup quarterback Carson Beck is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
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For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
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All of which raises an obvious question.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Carrie Severino, president of the conservative advocacy group Judicial Crisis Network, previously told the Washington Examiner that the justices have made recent orders more explicit and clear as lower court judges have ignored the Supreme Court’s previous orders on its emergency docket.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
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Ben Hania counters that silence, not with an explicit argument but with an experience, a movie forged in the universal and very specific language of the single-location thriller.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The second series investigates deaths involving apparent falls from heights — examining whether victims were pushed from locations like balconies, cliffs and bridges.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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The consequences of the current fracturing may not be apparent right away.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The hurricane center has warned residents there to keep an eye on the system and will issue watches and warnings if its path looks more definite.—
Alex Harris
Updated September 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Sep. 2025
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That said, there is some definite room for growth.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But the magnitude of the moment is unmistakable.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the bands' sound.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ditto the Hammer Studios output of the 1950s and ’60s, Bernie Wrightson’s definitive illustrations of the Creature, oodles of Gothic literature, Roger Corman’s Poe pictures, and Mario Bava’s retina-searing color creep shows.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
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Forbes today unveils its 44th annual Forbes 400 list, the definitive ranking of the wealthiest Americans.—
Forbes Press Releases,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Barrett's clear statement on the 22nd Amendment carries significant weight given her position on the Supreme Court, which would likely be asked to rule on any attempt to circumvent the two-term limit.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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Investigators found notebooks filled with hate, violent thoughts and admiration for mass murderers, showing clear signs of deep mental instability.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The study, published August 4, 2025, in Nature Communications, could reshape how protective materials are designed, opening doors to lighter, more efficient, and application-specific shock-absorbing solutions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Sep. 2025
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And bets of $10 or more on higher-risk parlays — gambling that two or more specific things will happen — also will be free of the charge.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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