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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clear-cut
Both Democrats and Republicans have taken up the cause, reflecting a growing consensus that phones are bad for kids’ mental health and take their focus away from learning, even as some researchers say the issue is less clear-cut.
—
Jeff Amy, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
There’s something to be said for a clear-cut dichotomy, and for not putting a huge amount of energy into making every single aspect of your life perfect.
—Liana Finck, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images Josh Jacobs is the clear-cut starting running back and workhorse on the ground for the offense.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Backup quarterback Carson Beck is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Jeff Amy, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
There’s something to be said for a clear-cut dichotomy, and for not putting a huge amount of energy into making every single aspect of your life perfect.
—Liana Finck, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images Josh Jacobs is the clear-cut starting running back and workhorse on the ground for the offense.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Backup quarterback Carson Beck is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
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And a soft implant can be the best option to avoid an obvious edge.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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That’s because your liver won’t give you obvious clues that say there’s a MASH up going there.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In recent incidents, Google's Gemini CLI destroyed user files while attempting to reorganize them, and Replit's AI coding service deleted a production database despite explicit instructions not to modify code.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Sep. 2025
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The supplemental essay prompts released for 2025–26 make this explicit.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The apparent hoaxes come amid heightened concern over campus safety following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Paramount’s apparent interest is no surprise since the company’s ambitious new CEO, David Ellison, has talked about a desire to strike further deals.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While the San Francisco 49ers started off their 2025 NFL schedule with a 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, there are definite reasons for their fans to be concerned.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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That’s been valuable, but even then, there’s no definite timeline for how long this lasts.—
Melissa Showers,
Flow Space,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There is a deep respect for the brand’s heritage throughout the collection, but also an unmistakable drive to modernize, internationalize, and individualize the designs for today’s and tomorrow’s audience.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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The mood on the factory floor was unmistakable.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ditto the Hammer Studios output of the 1950s and ’60s, Bernie Wrightson’s definitive illustrations of the Creature, oodles of Gothic literature, Roger Corman’s Poe pictures, and Mario Bava’s retina-searing color creep shows.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
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Forbes today unveils its 44th annual Forbes 400 list, the definitive ranking of the wealthiest Americans.—
Forbes Press Releases,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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On the other end, a clear brow gel sculpts natural hairs into your preferred position.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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This reliability could speed up the shoe design cycle and reduce costs, while giving developers a clearer picture of real-world performance.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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