clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈkler-ə-ˌfī 
ˈkla-rə-
clarified; clarifying
1
: to make understandable
clarify a subject
The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.
2
: to free of confusion
needs time to clarify his thoughts
3
: to make (a liquid or something liquefied) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter
clarify syrup
: to become clear
waiting for the present muddled diplomatic situation to clarify—
Newsweek
Newsweek
Examples of clarify in a Sentence
Can you clarify exactly what it is you're proposing?
Her explanation did not clarify matters much.
The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.
The committee clarified the manager's duties.
a substance used to clarify wine
Recent Examples on the Web
Authorities did not clarify when the Facebook threats were made, but both schools — and the entire Clearview Local School District — were closed on Thursday, Dec. 12, as the sheriff’s office and FBI searched for explosives.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
This serves as a critical reminder to prepare thoroughly—by asking the right questions, clarifying expectations, and planning strategically—to make the most of their leave while balancing personal and professional priorities.
—Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
This can help ease organizational anxieties by clarifying your priorities, and by the same token, your mind.
—Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
The studies also clarify the time frame in which humans interbred with Denisovans, another extinct species, Stringer added — that took place after the introduction of Neanderthal DNA.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clarify 
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Bailey Richards, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
This serves as a critical reminder to prepare thoroughly—by asking the right questions, clarifying expectations, and planning strategically—to make the most of their leave while balancing personal and professional priorities.
—Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
This can help ease organizational anxieties by clarifying your priorities, and by the same token, your mind.
—Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
The studies also clarify the time frame in which humans interbred with Denisovans, another extinct species, Stringer added — that took place after the introduction of Neanderthal DNA.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clarify
Dictionary Entries Near clarify
Cite this Entry
“Clarify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarify. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈklar-ə-ˌfī
clarified; clarifying
1
: to make or become pure or clear
clarify a liquid
2
: to make or become easier to understand
clarify a statement
Medical Definition
clarify
verb
clar·i·fy
ˈklar-ə-ˌfī
clarified; clarifying
: to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter
clarify sewage
: to become clear
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