clearly

adverb

clear·​ly ˈklir-lē How to pronounce clearly (audio)
Synonyms of clearlynext
1
: in a clear manner
speaking clearly
2
: it is clear
clearly, a new approach is needed

Synonyms of clearly

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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
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.
Insofar as these drawings depart from previous works, they were clearly made for a new reason. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Their quaint view of women as meek, docile and powerless clearly worked in her favor. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Once the problem is clearly defined, the organization can determine the right solution. — Eranda Maldeniya, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 This is common in observational studies like this, which usually can’t clearly separate causality from correlation due to some immeasurable variable. — New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clearly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clearly was in the 14th century

Rhymes for clearly

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Browse Nearby Words

clear length
clearly
clearness
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Cite this Entry

“Clearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearly. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clearly

adverb
clear·​ly ˈkli(ə)r-lē How to pronounce clearly (audio)
1
: in a clear manner
was clearly visible
2
: without doubt or question
clearly something had to be done
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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