CLEAR-CUT Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

clear-cut

adjective

ˈklir-ˈkət

Definition of clear-cut

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

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 The explosive back was thought to have at least a fighting chance, considering both his talent and opportunity as the Elks’ clear-cut lead back. — Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Welcome to the postelection vote-count slog in California, where tight races are often impossible to call even when the initial results seem clear-cut. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026 The debate over exterior lighting is not clear-cut; factors such as energy use, security concerns, placement, and even local wildlife come into play. — Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026 In a few short decades every forest in Pennsylvania—and nearly the entirety of eastern North America—would be clear-cut and transformed into a wasteland of stumps. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clear-cut

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut

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

Definition of obvious

Adjective

There is no more explicit example of the vulnerability of American democracy, and of the magnitude of the task of repairing it once it is breached.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
The real toxicity concern, per The New Republic‘s review of contractor materials, confirming previous reporting from Meidas News, lies in the epoxy resin used for the pool’s new lining, which carries explicit long-term aquatic toxicity warnings.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

This comes after dozens of leading Mexican sports outlets reported the time change — after apparent briefing — as did the BBC, which has rights to the game in the UK.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Anybody who is anybody is making their way to New York’s Madison Square Garden dressed to the nines in an apparent march to get to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Overall definite recommend on Screen Engine and Rentrak’s Postmark audience exits was 52%, versus Superman at 74%.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026
Elements like paint, lighting, furniture, and decor are definite opportunities to have a little more fun with trends without worrying about longer-term ramifications.

— Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

The Institutional Revolution The first transformation was institutional, immediate, and unmistakable.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
This band may have created millions of fans, but its influence on the 80s rock music is unmistakable.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

There are no definitive statistics about how many students are affected by state bans.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
In 1868, at the age of 29, John Muir arrived in San Francisco via steamship with definitive plans to wander and revel in the natural wonders of California—he’d heard of the Golden State’s geographic riches and wanted to see them for himself.

— Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

Just how charged the debate has become was clear when the Greens filed a motion of no confidence against the government on Thursday over its heatwave response.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
The Million Dollar Highway is open year-round, but it’s periodically closed to clear rockslides and avalanches.

— Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of clear

Browse Nearby Words

clearances

clear-cut

cleared

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of clear-cut

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes