clearheaded

adjective

ˈklir-ˌhe-dəd How to pronounce clearheaded (audio)
Definition of clearheadednext
1
as in lucid
having full use of one's mind and control over one's actions waited until she was clearheaded to make the decision

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sober
not having one's mind affected by alcohol woke up clearheaded and alert the next morning

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 clearheaded Such detachment was meant to allow for accurate diagnoses and clearheaded decision-making. — Rachel Pearson, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 In just 60 seconds, most people feel calmer, more clearheaded and more energized. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025 The extremely clearheaded way Pistorius describes an experience that, thankfully, almost none of us will ever go through is what lends so much power to Ghost Boy’s narrative. — Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025 Delta 8 has a lower psychotropic potency than delta-nine and produces more clearheaded effects. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 June 2022 See All Example Sentences for clearheaded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clearheaded
  1. lucid
  2. sober
  3. stable
  4. normal
  5. rational
  6. sane
  7. balanced
Adjective
  • The artist adopts a schizoid persona, with multiple voices flowing out of him, and swerves between lucid social criticism—about the history of slavery or of higher education—and total gibberish.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Zuckerman said Monday’s cross-examination helped the defense by supplying testimony that Clancy could appear lucid at some moments while experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms at others.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of lucid
Adjective
  • Over the long run, reversion to mean in real interest rates—a return to the historical trend—gives a more sober prediction than just extrapolating from one decade.
    — Kenneth S. Rogoff, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Reportedly, this is concerning for his friend Bradley Cooper, who has been sober since 2004.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of sober
Adjective
  • That has left oil supplies being released in intermittent waves, rather than returning to the stable, steady flow seen in the past.
    — , CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike many other regions, Australian largetooth sawfish appear to have maintained relatively stable genetic diversity since at least the 1960s.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • Villa go in as considerable underdogs — 7/2 to win in normal time and 2/1 to lift the trophy — and pulling it off would represent another big result in what has already been a landmark year for the club.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • While Social Security is facing long-term financial challenges, including projections that the retirement trust fund could face a shortfall as soon as 2032, beneficiaries can still expect payments to follow the agency's normal schedule this month.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • Her mental health afterward Two forensic psychiatrists testified Monday that Clancy appeared clear-headed and rational in the days after the killings.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Employers must move beyond resilience training, creating transparent, equitable workplaces where effort is rewarded and mistakes are tolerated, ensuring ambition remains a rational choice for diverse talent.
    — Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • What person in their sane mind that’s not a Russian asset would do that?
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • One part sends me to therapy, the other keeps me sane [laughs].
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of sane
Adjective
  • This well-balanced and resilient Braves squad is clearly built for a deep postseason run.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Second-year head coach Matt Hatchette promises a balanced offensive attack.
    — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of balanced

Browse Nearby Words

clear-eyed
clearheaded
clearheadedness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clearheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clearheaded. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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