clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈklir-lē 

1

: in a clear manner

speaking clearly

2

: it is clear

clearly, a new approach is needed

Synonyms

• all right
• alright
• assuredly
• certainly
• definitely
• doubtless
• easily
• forsooth
• hands down
• inarguably
• incontestably
• incontrovertibly
• indeed
• indisputably
• plainly
• really
• so
• sure
• surely
• truly
• unarguably
• undeniably
• undoubtedly
• unquestionably

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

Both fish have two dorsal fins, but largemouths have a tell-tale break between the fins, while smallmouths have clearly connected dorsal fins. —Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025

But after the consumer staples sector began to improve earlier this month, the equal-weighted ratio also has now clearly turned lower. —David Keller, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025

That message — telegraphed clearly for and about Hausmann-Stokes’ own platoon mates — comes through loud and clear. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025

Very few Atlanta leaders saw the intersection of civil rights, education and youth development quite as clearly — and early — as Benjamin E. Mays. —Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clearly

• dearly
• merely
• nearly
• queerly
• yearly
• austerely
• severely
• sincerely
• cavalierly

Kids Definition

clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈkli(ə)r-lē 

1

: in a clear manner

was clearly visible

2

: without doubt or question

clearly something had to be done