How does the adjective clear contrast with its synonyms?
Some common synonyms of clear are limpid, translucent, and transparent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.
clear water
When could limpid be used to replace clear?
Although the words limpid and clear have much in common, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.
her eyes were limpid pools of blue
When can translucent be used instead of clear?
The synonyms translucent and clear are sometimes interchangeable, but translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.
translucent frosted glass
When would transparent be a good substitute for clear?
While the synonyms transparent and clear are close in meaning, transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.
a transparent sheet of film
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clear
Adjective
But these must be looked for, bobbing forlorn amid the computer parts and zip-lock bags stretching clear to the horizon.—Ian Volner, New York Times, 1 May 2025 His ball cut through the wind and sailed clear over the green into the water, leading to a triple bogey that ended his hopes.—Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
The science is clear: exposure to dirty air can lead to long-term health issues.—Liz Hurtado, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025 With Mercury going direct soon after, the creative blocks and mixed signals clear, just in time to own your voice again.—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 July 2025
Adverb
Before departing the White House, Joe Biden in December 2024 issued a full and unconditional pardon that cleared Hunter Biden of three federal gun felonies and federal tax charges.—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 July 2025 The procedural hurdle required 60 votes and cleared 90-8.—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear
Lizzo has been transparent about her weight loss journey and was recently a cover girl for Women’s Health magazine.
—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
24 July 2025
Retailers can build trust through transparent pricing, flexible options, easy value comparisons, store brand products, and straightforward promotions that resonate across income brackets and help families feel in control.
Keep in mind that buckwheat can cause allergic reactions in certain people (especially in Asian countries), particularly if eaten frequently or in large amounts.
—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
15 July 2025
A number of Republicans that represent states with rural communities -- such as Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mike Rounds of South Dakota -- have expressed concerns about cuts to public broadcasting that could affect the ability of certain communities to access emergency alerts.
Comprehensive cell phone analysis can be just as powerful in clearing innocent drivers by proving no user interaction occurred.
—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
But the alternative is much worse: a world where the loss of innocent life is treated as inescapable, where no calamity can be prevented or bad situation reformed.
Attendees rode in support of and alongside community member Eva Zamora, who is a shining example of how to live your best life with Parkinson’s disease and takes cycle classes at EōS regularly, a news release stated.
—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2025
Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
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