clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈklir-lē How to pronounce clearly (audio)
Synonyms of clearlynext
1
: in a clear manner
speaking clearly
2
: it is clear
clearly, a new approach is needed

Synonyms of clearly

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Examples of clearly in a Sentence

You should try to speak more clearly. The mountain was clearly visible in the distance. The problem is very clearly getting worse. “A new approach is needed.” “Clearly.” “The current method isn't working.” “Clearly not.”
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This approach reinforces high performance and signals clearly to the people driving results that their contributions are seen and valued, not simply assumed. — Anthony Mastro, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 To protect the rights of immigrant children, teachers must clearly inhabit their role as the reliable adult. — Hannah Harshe, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 Normally, these sorts of acrobatics early on are a bad omen for the season, but Robyn, Tia, and Stacey are clearly willing to cut through the hemming and hawing and force the group to address conflicts head-on. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026 My 10-year-old has been taking piano lessons for a few years now and has clearly inherited my urge to tinker with tech. — ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clearly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clearly was in the 14th century

Rhymes for clearly

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Browse Nearby Words

clear length
clearly
clearness
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Cite this Entry

“Clearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearly. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clearly

adverb
clear·​ly ˈkli(ə)r-lē How to pronounce clearly (audio)
1
: in a clear manner
was clearly visible
2
: without doubt or question
clearly something had to be done
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