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
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
However, the effects of other budget decisions seem more clear-cut, at least for La Jolla.
—
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
However, the latest research adds to a mounting body of evidence finding that the timeline of neuron generation isn’t so clear-cut.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
In Texas, the laws around sick leave aren’t always clear-cut, especially compared to other states with stricter protections.
—Tiffani Jackson
updated July 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025
At the time, he was viewed as the clear-cut No. 1 pick coming off a stellar season in Arizona.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
However, the latest research adds to a mounting body of evidence finding that the timeline of neuron generation isn’t so clear-cut.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
In Texas, the laws around sick leave aren’t always clear-cut, especially compared to other states with stricter protections.
—Tiffani Jackson
updated July 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025
At the time, he was viewed as the clear-cut No. 1 pick coming off a stellar season in Arizona.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
-
But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
-
And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Be The Boss: Give Your AI A Role And Super-Clear Instructions The most effective AI startups treat their LLMs like new, highly capable team members needing explicit direction.—
Pradeep Kumar Muthukamatchi,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
That same day, Eady addressed her decision not to attend the reunion on her Instagram Stories, and clarified that the explicit photos were not of her.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The apparent docking of the two satellites last week suggests SJ-21 is the target for SJ-25's refueling demonstration, and US officials are watching.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 July 2025
-
The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn’t teaching them how.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
The video is generally crisp, though the limited frame rate (15 fps) is a definite weakness with moving subjects.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
-
The one that doesn’t have a definite endpoint and could yield some interesting negotiations is Wyatt Kaiser’s deal.—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.—
Daisy Maldonado,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
-
The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.—
Andrew J. Campa
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
-
One of the things that makes Batman Begins so definitive a depiction of Batman’s origin is that this film, like its sequel The Dark Knight, depicted Gotham City as a living breathing character in the story.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
The landscape of potential O’Brien challengers isn’t yet clear, but Hooker, the Philadelphia Local official, is one of them.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
-
Establishing clear protocols for collaborative action and conducting regular stress tests and drills—simulating everything from accidents to public health emergencies—helps identify vulnerabilities and familiarizes all parties with their roles before a real crisis hits.—
Daniel Brillman,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Reporters asked the sheriff for a specific timeline of emergency response after state warnings were issued on Wednesday and Thursday and a National Weather Service flash flood warning was issued at 1:14 am on Friday.—
Bethany Blankley,
The Washington Examiner,
8 July 2025
-
Neither the accrediting agency nor the university specified which specific financial issues led to the probation.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share