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.
But the feelings between the two brothers were not so clearly defined. — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 Haaland clearly came into the World Cup intending to love it. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 July 2026 Companies should have clearly defined values that are consistently reinforced and embedded into the way work gets done. — Kathleen Pai, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 As the judgment clearly shows, every single article was legitimately sourced. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 July 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on clearly

Nglish: Translation of clearly for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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