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clear

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verb

1
as in to open
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way the early settlers worked hard to clear the land for crops

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as in to pay
to give what is owed for finally cleared the last debt

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as in to empty
to remove the contents of cleared a drawer so there would be a place to store his clothes

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as in to smooth
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions plows promptly cleared the roads of snow

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as in to earn
to receive after charges and deductions have been made cleared enough from that stock transaction to be able to afford a new luxury automobile

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clear

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adverb

as in through

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective clear contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clear are limpid, translucent, and transparent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When could limpid be used to replace clear?

Although the words limpid and clear have much in common, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

When can translucent be used instead of clear?

The synonyms translucent and clear are sometimes interchangeable, but translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

When would transparent be a good substitute for clear?

While the synonyms transparent and clear are close in meaning, transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

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
Adjective
The type of van — whether it was being used to transport passengers or cargo — wasn’t immediately clear. Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025 What was clear early on, though, was that Stable Diffusion XL had the same biases and prejudices humans do, amplified to an absurd extent. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
In those instances, give your extra set of hands a straightforward task, like taking out the trash or clearing the table. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025 The liberation of the leaves will undermine the black-market trade and reduce deforestation by freeing for cultivation lands long ago cleared and abandoned. Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Unlike in many other camper vans, the table relies solely on a locking gas strut and does not require a telescoping leg, keeping plenty of legroom clear below. New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2025 And More Everton did create a few chances against Aston Villa, but none were clear cut and none resulted in a goal. James Nalton, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • Dive your way around the island Courtesy of the Curaçao Tourist Board With more than 70 dive sites, crystal blue water, vibrant coral, and unique biodiversity, Curaçao is a haven for scuba divers.
    Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The skirt alone contains 190,000 crystal sequin and rhinestone embellishments, giving the entire piece a sweeping dress as Grande moves.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Good teams feel confident regardless of the day’s starting pitcher.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Jean looked confident and composed in dispatching the much more experienced Berkhamov.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans have speculated that since the first three seasons were all set in a sunny locale, the upcoming season could switch things up by spending time at a White Lotus resort in a cooler climate.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Mostly sunny skies are expected in Central Florida on Sunday, Spectrum News 13 meteorologist Zach Covey said.
    Elainie Barraza, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nor is there any conclusive evidence on dosing and timing for supplements.
    Sarah Anzlovar, MS, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Stone, as he's done before without providing conclusive evidence, took aim at the Central Intelligence Agency.
    Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That innocent people are disappearing into El Salvador’s prisons is no secret—making the embrace of Bukele a disturbing signal of just how far a strongman can go without losing political ground.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His innocent questions were always softened by stoner jokes.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The real shining gem of Pokémon's eighth generation was Legends: Arceus.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Sure, the Currys should get another stab at it on Monday, when the Warriors make their annual trek to Charlotte and Steph Curry’s yearly shining moment in uptown takes place.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Basehor’s population has more than tripled since 2000, and residents will no longer have to drive to Bonner Springs or KCK after the Fareway opens.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Lecture on history of Umatilla Author and local historian Richard Cronin will present a lecture on the founding of Umatilla and the railroad that opened the region at 2 p.m. April 7 at the Umatilla Public Library, 412 Hatfield Drive.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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