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Definition of clearnext
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clear

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verb

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

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clear

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adverb

as in through

Related Words

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
If any exposure to radiation poses a risk, then minimizing it is the clearest way to protect the health of people who work with radioactive substances. ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 The support someone needs from you may work better with a clear limit attached. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
Verb
When the rain cleared, an American flag that covered most of the outfield was unfurled during the national anthem, and the fog slowly crept in. Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Lopez came up with two outs and lined a two-run shot that narrowly cleared the left field wall. Miami Herald, 5 July 2026
Adverb
In the past, doctors steered clear of transplanting organs for people with HIV. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026 From there, a weekly check-in and clear-out ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear
Adjective
  • The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Many caftans come in dainty, transparent styles, so coordinate your sheer number with the pieces underneath—whether that's your swimwear or basics from your everyday closet is your choice.
    Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • Companies that build responsible, transparent approaches to audience understanding will be better positioned for long-term success.
    Paula Chiocchi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Exploring the recent opportunity Baird is confident Innio will be able to lead and set the highest price target at $50.
    Assiatou Hann, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • Speaking of golf, a confident politician or a confident reporter, for that matter, should walk like a golfer coming down the fairway on the 18th hole with a three-stroke lead in a major tournament.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • See how designer Hattie Sparks Collins gave her in-laws' new build to a sunny dose of gathering-place nostalgia.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
  • For a city often known first for its beaches, nightlife, and warm, sunny weather, the findings highlight just how far the Florida city's dining scene has come.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Although rescuers had not detected conclusive signs of life, the operation continued under the watch of the child’s parents and grandmother.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • The best shot at making a conclusive determination on who raped Sebold would come through DNA analysis of the physical evidence.
    Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
    Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
  • What counts as a cleared sidewalk?
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • That law predates the much wider United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which took effect in 1994, giving ships the right of innocent passage through any country's territorial waters without paying a fee.
    Joanne Stocker, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • At a time of so much partisanship in Congress, especially related to health care, breakthrough legislation is a shining example of how commonsense policies that support patient care and innovation can achieve broad support.
    Josh Makower, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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