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

While Pentagon funding is the most obvious must for some Republicans, others would push to include measures to address the cost of living, elections, farm aid, and more.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Though Pasta was not a traditional Italian restaurant, offering only a couple of appetizers and desserts and pasta dishes, the glut was obvious.

— Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

In one enterprise implementation, senior engineers took on AI oversight responsibilities, reviewing structured work orders and approving pull requests against explicit acceptance criteria.

— Kumar Chivukula, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
According to a criminal complaint against him, federal authorities found explicit photos of Markle and minors in the Los Angeles-area storage units.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

Instead, the conjecture addresses a specific class of quantum computations and the conditions under which their apparent advantage can be reproduced classically.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Cavaliers freshman quarterback Hassir Houston had to be carried off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the first half but returned in the fourth quarter.

— Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

The lab analyst wasn’t able to give a definite response as to how the mistake occurred, but acknowledged that the lab’s review process failed, Afshar-Stewart said.

— Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
So, while there’s no immediate sense of urgency for Willis, there should definitely be a definite sense of urgency for Willis, if that makes, well, sense.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

On a recent weekend, three friends sat to the dino’s right, trying their best to ignore his unmistakable glower.

— Hilton Als, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
The bear wears Richards' peacoat with anchor buttons, carries a little black handbag and, of course, has the unmistakable beret.

— Derek James, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

In the absence of neat, definitive explanations, a broader explanation for the global fertility crash comes into view.

— Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026
Designated as a Memory Site in 2012 to ensure that the military repression isn’t forgotten, the prison is undergoing its definitive closure and transfer of inmates to a new complex.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

Congress should fund that capacity and require clear schedules for resolving interrupted awards and disbursing recovery support.

— Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Let’s also be clear, Kristen, that securing our border is still popular with the American people.

— NBC news, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

But all of them headed 25 miles north to Criteria, too, to capture specific sounds.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026
In a 7-6 vote, the City Council passed a compromise policy that would create two downtown districts and give council members the opportunity to allow or deny development of specific data centers.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of specific

Browse Nearby Words

clearances

clear-cut

cleared

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Style

“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

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