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 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 In a few short decades every forest in Pennsylvania—and nearly the entirety of eastern North America—would be clear-cut and transformed into a wasteland of stumps. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear-cut

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut

Adjective

The switcheroo trend is one more lighthearted example of internet prank culture, with successful clips in the genre using comically obvious edits to highlight the misdirection and avoid any real danger of defamation.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
That connection seems obvious at the linebacker position, on the outside and inside with Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

— Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Give people explicit permission to ideate, to learn, to bring you the thing nobody asked for.

— Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Trump did not provide specific details, timelines or explicit penalty structures for non-compliant nations or foreign entities.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

Banks and financial market infrastructure (FMIs) are getting serious about blockchain again, something that is becoming increasingly apparent in light of major announcements from global banks and financial institutions.

— Ravi Chamria, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Thompson is the backup to Quentin Johnston, who limped off the practice field with an apparent leg injury this week and didn’t dress for the preseason game.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Serving a vital manufacturing and export region in China, the Shenzhen facility supports growing cross-border trade, e-commerce shipments and time-definite international express services.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
But there are definite issues with trying to juggle everything at the same time.

— Charles Moss, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

Her strength, warmth, generosity, and unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

— Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
In the mid-1970s, Slash’s mother, the costume designer Ola Hudson, worked on the American production of The Rocky Horror Show, whose Frank-N-Furter is the unmistakable touchstone of Bourzgui’s David, down to the depraved purr.

— Sarah Grant, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

Two autopsies have been conducted, but neither have yielded a definitive public explanation for Nolan’s manner of death.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
But a separate count by Colombia’s National Institute of Legal Medicine illustrates the continuing difficulty of establishing a definitive death toll.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

As the plane descends, a lush landscape of verdant mountains that flow down into charming villages, beaches, and the crystal-clear waters beyond appears.

— Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Four of the eight resulted in gains and four in losses, underscoring the lack of a clear directional signal.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

In the comics, a Lantern’s ring has several powers in the ballpark of creating physical objects out of light and pure will, but none of them to date — save for John, in one specific story — have been able to store someone’s consciousness.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
While Comer didn’t give a specific location where the breakdown occurred, daytime temperatures in the South China Sea in late July averaged between 89 degrees and 98 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 37 Celsius), weather records show.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

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