clear
Bright; luminous; not dark or obscured.
Word facts
Definition of Clear
Of the sky, such that less than one eighth of its area is obscured by clouds.
Example sentences
If you clear the table, I'll wash up.
Please clear all this stuff off the table.
Using Clear well
A closer look at how clear is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Easy to see, understand, or perceive, with nothing blocking or confusing it.
Use 'clear' whenever something is easy to grasp or free of obstruction — it works for writing, glass, weather, skin, and reasoning alike. It's a plain, versatile word that fits almost any register.
Everywhere — instructions, weather reports, explanations, design and writing advice ('keep it clear'), and descriptions of transparent or unobstructed things.
Don't mix up the verb senses: to 'clear' a table (remove things) versus a 'clear' sky (cloudless); context decides the meaning.
- plain
- similar for 'easy to understand', but can also suggest simple or unadorned
- obvious
- stronger — leaves no room for doubt, sometimes almost too apparent
- transparent
- for physical see-through-ness, or figuratively for honesty and openness
- lucid
- more formal, praises writing or thinking that is clear and easy to follow
- evident
- formal — means clearly true from the available signs, more about proof than simplicity
- vague
- opposite of clear meaning — fuzzy and imprecise
- murky
- opposite of clear sight — cloudy, hard to see through, literally or figuratively
- confusing
- opposite of clear understanding — actively hard to follow
- opaque
- formal opposite — blocks light or blocks understanding entirely
- Beginner The teacher gave clear instructions, so we knew exactly what to do.
- In writing Good technical writing favours short, clear sentences over clever ones.
- Advanced Her argument was so clear that objections seemed to dissolve before anyone could raise them.
Think of clean glass: 'clear' lets both light and meaning pass through without distortion.
Synonyms for Clear
Antonyms for Clear
Related words
Words closely connected to Clear in meaning or use:
Words that rhyme with Clear
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does clear mean?
Bright; luminous; not dark or obscured. It is an adjective.
How many syllables does clear have?
Clear has 1 syllable. It is pronounced as a single beat: clear.
What part of speech is clear?
Clear is used as an adjective. As a verb, it describes an action or state.
What are synonyms for clear?
Words with similar meanings to clear include elucidate, light, distinct, pellucid. The best synonym depends on the exact context you are writing or reading in.
How do you use clear in a sentence?
Example: "If you clear the table, I'll wash up."