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.
The Milwaukee Brewers are clearly a much different team than a year ago, and the Dodgers better be prepared for a tough NLCS battle. — Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 That’s not good, and are clearly issues that need to be evaluated, if not fixed during this bye week. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 The real Lee, in his seventies and on his seventh major film, was clearly questioning his own relationship to his subjects. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 At different points in the performance, the band was joined by the six different teams in the Banana Ball Championship League, the players for which clearly had lots of fun making up dance moves to display while accompanying the JoBros. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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
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