in the clear

phrase

Synonyms of in the clearnext
1
: in inside measurement
corridors three feet in the clear
2
: free from guilt or suspicion
The jury's decision was that he was in the clear.
3
: in plaintext : not in code or cipher
a message sent in the clear

Examples of in the clear in a Sentence

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.
SoCal likely in the clear A red blob on the hurricane center's forecast map well south of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula represents a developing tropical system, one that some models show could eventually impact California. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Because beamforming reports are broadcast back to the access point in the clear, a Wi-Fi adapter within range can passively record them in monitor mode. — New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 Outside, two white statues depicting Alex and Lucas as young boys sit side-by-side at the edge of a swimming pool, their feet dipping in the clear water. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Another slide shows Harry and the kids playing in the clear blue water along the shore as Markle watches from the beach in a black one-piece swimsuit and sneakers. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the clear

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of in the clear was in 1674

Rhymes for in the clear

See All Rhymes for in the clear

Browse Nearby Words

in the care of
in the clear
in the clouds
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the clear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20clear. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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