1
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
2
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
Examples 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
Beverly Hills clear-cut more than 50 ficus trees as part of a sidewalk renovation project before a judge ordered the city to stop via a preliminary injunction.
—
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
While these classifications have been widely used, recent research suggests that the distinctions may not be as clear-cut as once believed.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2024
Sherwood cleanly picked off MacKinnon’s pass, turned on the jets to turn it into a clear-cut breakaway and roofed a perfect shot in the top corner.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
The global numbers fall within the margin of error to some extent, but the US numbers seem more clear-cut.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clear-cut 
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
While these classifications have been widely used, recent research suggests that the distinctions may not be as clear-cut as once believed.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2024
Sherwood cleanly picked off MacKinnon’s pass, turned on the jets to turn it into a clear-cut breakaway and roofed a perfect shot in the top corner.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
The global numbers fall within the margin of error to some extent, but the US numbers seem more clear-cut.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
-
Making obvious your goal of understanding is a powerful way of creating goodwill.—
Kurt Gray,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
-
To be sure, there are obvious benefits to Israel in the first phase of the agreement.—
The Editors,
National Review,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But engaging with those properties could mean putting even more money into her pocket and represent an explicit affirmation of her rancorous positions.—
Glen Weldon,
NPR,
18 Jan. 2025
-
But the clock has run out on his greater ambition of brokering a historic agreement to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia that would, in theory, have included a first-ever explicit pathway to a Palestinian state.—
Edward Wong,
New York Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
And the cracks in the Russian economy are becoming increasingly apparent.—
Alexandra Prokopenko,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Weakness in the job market is a wildcard that could also trigger lower interest rates, but for now, that is not apparent in reported data.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
PostTrak exits are 4 1/2 stars with a 62% definite recommend for the turnout, which leaned 51% female and 63% over 45 turnout.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The injury is a definite setback, though, and this wasn’t a positive year for him before it.—
Scott Wheeler,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
An older technique that is once again covering masks across the NHL this season is painting on top of chrome to give the mask an unmistakable shine.—
Jesse Granger,
The Athletic,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The low-key pair stepped out in casual duds to grab lunch, with the Twilight star sporting a messy topknot in an unmistakable platinum shade.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Given that on landing its rotors broke off, that's a pretty definitive conclusion.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
What the possibly dirty text messages involving Hutchinson might say or who sent them isn’t clear.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Effective communication fosters trust, reduces listener fatigue, and signals authority through clear, confident speech.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The sponsorship will take center stage at three specific events: the Cook Out Clash on February 2nd, Phoenix Raceway on March 9th, and Richmond Raceway on August 16th.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Trump deployed active-duty troops to the border in his first term, and the previous Biden administration did as well, but both were in response to specific instances.—
Brad Dress,
The Hill,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near clear-cut
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share