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 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 all his obvious qualities in attack, Ruiz also praises Kvaratskhelia’s defensive work.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Jacob Klein, Anthropic’s head of threat intelligence, told The New York Times that the situation rarely involves obvious declarations of malicious intent.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Even when the subtext of previous policy suggested suspicion of American Muslims, federal leaders never expressed explicit hostility.

— Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026
A number of definitions, particularly from this period, drew an explicit connection between Indigenous peoples and European colonialism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

His managerial shortcomings have been apparent at times, and his expiring contract made everything seemingly less complicated.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Eco effort The Rosewood group has a green initiative that includes energy conservation, prioritizing sustainability, and embracing a sense of place, but specifics about the Vienna hotel weren’t apparent.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

But the Bulls expressed definite interest in Kuminga, according to a league source speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss front-office strategy.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
And the wave of sales Xilam already proves that there’s definite interest for a road-tripping inverted submarine and its crew.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

If brand copy should be taken with a gallon of Morton, Elsesser’s duality is unmistakable.

— Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
There are plenty of dishes unique to Palm Beach, too—crudos, handmade pastas, lobster salad, and a particularly tempting dessert list—but the Riviera influence is unmistakable.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

Yet after the definitive collapse of the Islamic State’s territorial project, in most places the idea of global jihad lost its former appeal.

— Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
The researchers stress that the experiment does not identify one definitive pairing mechanism.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

Mourinho’s aim to get closer to his players has been especially clear with the team’s biggest names.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Congress has bipartisan bills in the works aimed at setting clearer federal consumer protections, including age verification.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of clear

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 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

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