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
Example 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
However, the effects of other budget decisions seem more clear-cut, at least for La Jolla.
—
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
However, the latest research adds to a mounting body of evidence finding that the timeline of neuron generation isn’t so clear-cut.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
In Texas, the laws around sick leave aren’t always clear-cut, especially compared to other states with stricter protections.
—Tiffani Jackson
updated July 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025
At the time, he was viewed as the clear-cut No. 1 pick coming off a stellar season in Arizona.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
However, the latest research adds to a mounting body of evidence finding that the timeline of neuron generation isn’t so clear-cut.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
In Texas, the laws around sick leave aren’t always clear-cut, especially compared to other states with stricter protections.
—Tiffani Jackson
updated July 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025
At the time, he was viewed as the clear-cut No. 1 pick coming off a stellar season in Arizona.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clear-cut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clear-cut
Adjective
-
But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
-
And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Be The Boss: Give Your AI A Role And Super-Clear Instructions The most effective AI startups treat their LLMs like new, highly capable team members needing explicit direction.—
Pradeep Kumar Muthukamatchi,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
That same day, Eady addressed her decision not to attend the reunion on her Instagram Stories, and clarified that the explicit photos were not of her.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
In apparent disbelief, Berger simply sank to her knees, her arms outstretched and a huge grin on her face, and watched as her jubilant teammates sprinted towards her to celebrate.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
20 July 2025
-
Netflix has a new #1 show, Untamed, a series about a federal agent investigating an apparent murder in Yosemite National Park.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
-
The city offers little in the way of culinary variety — a definite downside for food lovers seeking new and exciting options, according to the study.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
The public display hit televisions and phone screens across the country and was an unmistakable signal that the Trump administration was not done flexing its political muscle in California.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
19 July 2025
-
Dignity Through Every Stage Of Life The shift in conversation is unmistakable.—
Karen Fonseth,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
-
One of the things that makes Batman Begins so definitive a depiction of Batman’s origin is that this film, like its sequel The Dark Knight, depicted Gotham City as a living breathing character in the story.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Now it's become clear that electric vehicles won’t take over as quickly as expected.—
Stuart Dyos,
The Tennessean,
23 July 2025
-
But his bet is clear: That in a fractured media world, personality, tone, and trust matter more than legacy or even scale.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
But Zeldin faces a major hurdle in accomplishing this feat: The existing PFAS standards are backed by the best currently available scientific evidence linking these specific chemicals to a range of adverse health effects.—
David Michaels,
The Atlantic,
20 July 2025
-
For the modern update, Nintendo has tweaked the design slightly, incorporating controls specific to the Switch 2–namely the Home, screen capture, and C buttons—at the top of the pad, and added a tiny new ZL button on the left-hand shoulder.—
Matt Kamen,
Wired News,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clear-cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clear-cut. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share