clear
27 synonyms and 0 antonyms for clear, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Transparent, or free of clouds, mist, or obstruction.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use clear
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French cler, from Latin clarus, "bright, clear, famous" — the same root as "clarity" and "declare."
Full origin of clear →Frequently asked questions
What does “clear” mean?
The word “clear” means transparent, or free of clouds, mist, or obstruction. In plain terms, easy to see, understand, or pass through — or, as a verb, to remove obstacles or lift suspicion.
How do you pronounce “clear”?
“Clear” is pronounced KLEER (/ˈklɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clear” in a sentence?
Here is “clear” used in a sentence: “The sky was clear and blue all afternoon.”
What part of speech is “clear”?
Depending on how it is used, “clear” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “clear” come from?
The word “clear” comes from Latin. From Old French cler, from Latin clarus, "bright, clear, famous" — the same root as "clarity" and "declare.".
Is “clear” a common word?
“Clear” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “clear” have?
“Clear” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: transparent, or free of clouds, mist, or obstruction.
What is the difference between clear and transparent?
Transparent means you can see straight through something, like clean glass or water. Clear can mean exactly the same, but it is a broader everyday word that also describes air free of mist, a sky free of cloud, or a path free of obstruction. All transparent things are clear, but not all clear things are transparent.
What is the difference between clear and translucent?
Clear, or transparent, lets light and images pass through so you see a sharp view on the other side, like a window. Translucent lets light through but scatters it, so you see only a blur, like frosted glass or tracing paper. The difference is whether you can see through it distinctly.
What is the opposite of clear?
It depends on the sense. For glass or water, the opposite is opaque, cloudy, or murky. For weather, the opposite of a clear sky is overcast or cloudy. In each case, 'clear' means light and vision pass freely, while its opposites block or muddy the view.