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

These reveal problems that might not be obvious in the short term, such as liver damage, as well as underlying conditions that could turn minor issues into something serious.

— Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
If there are lessons from the 2025 wave of crypto IPOs, the most obvious is that investors should proceed with caution.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

To be more explicit, the owners, as represented by the league, will not retract their salary cap proposal simply because we are now guaranteed a low-payroll team will win the World Series.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
What if Moscow used nuclear threats, implicit or explicit, to try to force Europe to end its support for Ukraine?

— Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

The Trying star is leading The Death of Sherlock Holmes, which fills the gap between the detective’s apparent death at the Reichenbach Falls in 1891 and his reappearance in The Adventure of the Empty House three years later.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Investigators with the city of Douglas, Georgia have released the identities of the five adults killed in an apparent murder-suicide last week.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Jacob Rodriguez, Jordyn Brooks, Chris Johnson and Phillips look like definite foundational players, and Robinson is trending in the right direction.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Still, there’s no solid definite word as to who might fill Lin’s vacancy.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

Down the block, Curtis walked around his neighborhood with the unmistakable countenance of someone who had just survived a disaster.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
The brass, the percussion, the unmistakable sound of banda, all carrying a piece of home.

— Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

And definitive explanations for Bonfire and Dynamite aren’t forthcoming.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
The oil-rich province of Alberta has rejected the pathway to secession and will remain part of Canada, landing a definitive blow to a fringe but loud campaign which sought support from the US.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

That experience is backed up by research and investigations in various states, which make clear that voting by noncitizens is extremely rare.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and issue a clear appeal for every mobilization to be peaceful.

— Tyler Speicher, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

That website works great in the demo—under specific conditions and without users with thumbs for fingers.

— Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
But rather than any of her contemporaries, one specific anecdote from Jensen’s school years seems like the most apt context for the measured wandering on Jazz dreams.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

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