clearly

adverb

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

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 While Moscow appears clearly to have the upper hand in its ground campaign, Kyiv’s forces have enjoyed sustained successes targeting Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, in either missile strikes or sea drone attacks. Andrew Carey, Maria Kostenko and Josh Pennington, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024 Lively’s clearly photoshopped picture featured her face launching by a pool with a Betty Buzz beverage. Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2024 And no ones sees that landing field more clearly than Michael O’Leary, Boeing’s disappointed customer, but still true believer. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024 Apart from physical requirements, there are some soft skills that all pilots should have, like the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, problem-solving skills, extensive observational skills, and quick reaction time. Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024 But the wild week clearly unfolded in a favorable, and lucrative, fashion for the two schools. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 The mailer didn’t say, but the image was clearly there in the hopes of associating the tax with arguably Kansas City’s most popular figure. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 Jake is clearly shaken after leaving the meeting with Yabuki. Demetrius Patterson, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2024 But though William is clearly recognizable through the window, the figure beside him is wreathed in shadow and turned away. Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clearly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near clearly

Cite this Entry

“Clearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearly. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on clearly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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