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

Public health campaigns should clearly communicate alcohol as a carcinogen and challenge the normalization of drinking in youth culture. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

In his 1985 report, Popplewell cited the lack of fire extinguishers or clearly signposted evacuation routes as a contributory factor, along with the locked exit gates and no one knowing who was in overall control of the matchday operation. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025

What to Know About Trump's New Surgeon General Nominee Trump's Surgeon General Pick Was Involved in Gun Accident That Killed Father Means clearly has a strong supporter in RFK Jr., who took to X on Thursday with a lengthy defense against Means’ critics. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 9 May 2025

Peace is clearly in Riyadh’s interests, given Saudi Arabia currently hosts some 2.6 million Indians working alongside a similar cohort of Pakistanis. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 May 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