cleanly 1 of 2

adverb

ˈklēn-lē How to pronounce cleanly (audio)
Definition of cleanlynext
as in legally
according to the rules or the law it was a cleanly fought match, so you have no grounds for complaint

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cleanly

2 of 2

adjective

as in sanitary

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 cleanly
Adverb
But Adames could not cleanly field the ball, and one batter later, ex-Giants catcher Patrick Bailey singled to score Ramirez for a 3-0 Cleveland lead. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 Katsis struggled to catch the ball cleanly earlier in camp but has come on strong. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Director Jennifer Chang understands clearly and cleanly which moments need specific tones and moods. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 Among the 21 artists are Julia Chon and Dave Young Kim, who offer cleanly hard-edge paintings of, respectively, a woman in traditional garb and two storks below two strands of barbed wire. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanly
  1. legally
  2. sanitary
  3. sterile
  4. hygienic
  5. pure
  6. untainted
  7. washed
  8. wholesome
Adverb
  • Immigration officials announced on Friday that Yiannopoulos was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and accused him of overstaying after entering the United States legally in May 2019 through New York City.
    — Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Sacramento could soon have more places where people can legally enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors during special events.
    — James Taylor, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of legally
Adjective
  • As the war raged on, this makeshift countermeasure was replaced by more sanitary and effective innovations, including gauze pads soaked in hyposulfite solution, flannel hoods, tube helmets, and box respirators.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Here’s what our pros recommend for dusting your bedroom to keep it sanitary and easy to breathe in.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanitary
Adjective
  • The brand’s Krossa desk scratches the itch for office furniture that isn’t sterile or corporate-looking.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Matching furniture sets may feel cookie-cutter and sterile, instead of warm.
    — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • The water, which goes through a multistage filter, has to be regularly flushed out to remain hygienic; the scent dispensers need to be refilled; and the spray nozzles need to be unclogged.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Properly handle and dispose of trash and pet waste to maintain a hygienic environment for everyone.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026
Definition of hygienic
Adjective
  • Over time, no existing civilization has remained ethnically or culturally pure or set in the same borders.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • There’s nothing slavishly authentic here, but the recipes’ bones are pure Mexico.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • In theory, this untainted market response can then guide Fed officials debating whether to raise or lower rates.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Linger there for some stargazing beneath a sky totally untainted by light.
    — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
Definition of untainted
Adjective
  • Made from naturally breathable, skin-friendly, pre-washed linen, the quilt is designed to hold up for years while growing softer with every wash.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As the Cyclospora outbreak grows, experts recommend washing all fresh produce that hasn’t been pre-washed—not just lettuce.
    — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of washed
Adjective
  • From Jessica Biel to Stephen Collins, the cast of the wholesome WB drama has gone down various paths since the show ended.
    — Dustin Nelson, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Their vibrant purple color, wholesome ingredients and Instagram-worthy presentation have helped turn them into one of the most recognizable health foods.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of wholesome

Browse Nearby Words

cleanliness
cleanly
cleanness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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