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
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Recent Examples of clear-cut
In other cases, the reasons for transferring may not be as clear-cut—for instance, a student simply didn’t mesh with the social scene on campus or doesn’t like the sleepy town their college is located in.
—
Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The design credentials are less clear-cut.
—New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026
But for people living with a rare disease, the issue isn't so clear-cut.
—Brad Quick, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
And in cybersecurity, where the role of hackers and the defenders are clear-cut, red teaming has a substantial track record.
—IEEE Spectrum, 15 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The design credentials are less clear-cut.
—New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026
But for people living with a rare disease, the issue isn't so clear-cut.
—Brad Quick, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
And in cybersecurity, where the role of hackers and the defenders are clear-cut, red teaming has a substantial track record.
—IEEE Spectrum, 15 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
-
The Heat are muddling along with a roster that isn’t good enough to do anything of significance, have no young player with obvious star upside, can’t create significant cap room for at least two more years and owe a future pick to the Hornets from the disastrous Terry Rozier trade.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
There is no obvious sign any of the officers were injured.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The official investigators of the deaths during the infamous riot were under intense and explicit pressure to conform their testimony to an official, state-exonerating narrative.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The betrayal was exacerbated by back-and-forth arguing online and the posting of explicit material, only worsened when the two groups met up in Oakland the night of the shooting.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But the security pitfalls are equally apparent.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
One month later, Epstein died in an apparent suicide while awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Currently, Scream 7 is great with the 17-34 bunch and multicultural audiences across definite interest and first choice.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
-
There's a definite need to take a look at systemic safety on our roadways.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While there’s been some chatter about the possibility of a zero-hour reprieve, as talks with potential investors are ongoing, the recent cancellation of the nine MLB contracts is said to have made the unmistakable sound of the other shoe dropping.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Elijah’s pride in his mother is unmistakable.—
Adrienne Farr,
Parents,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But vasectomies can be expensive, and though typically reversible, too definitive a commitment for younger men.—
Annalisa Merelli,
STAT,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The doo-wop legend Dion recorded the definitive version, but it was covered by artists from Marvin Gaye to Whitney Houston.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This constitutes the first clear proof-of-concept of organoids acting as adaptive computing elements.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The cause of the accident, which happened shortly before noon in good weather, was not immediately clear.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Cities have refused to release personal information about residents unless necessary for the investigation of specific crimes.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Does the client have a specific mental disorder?—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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