clearly
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for clearly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand.
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.
Etymology
From Middle English clerli, clerely, clerelych, cleerliche, clerliche. By surface analysis, clear + (adverbial) -ly.
Full origin of clearly →Frequently asked questions
What does “clearly” mean?
The word “clearly” means in a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand. In plain terms, plainly, distinctly — or "obviously," when used to open a sentence.
How do you pronounce “clearly”?
“Clearly” is pronounced KLEER-lee (/ˈklɪɚli/ in IPA).
How do you use “clearly” in a sentence?
Here is “clearly” used in a sentence: “She spoke clearly so everyone could follow.”
What is another word for “clearly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “clearly” include unambiguously and obviously.
What part of speech is “clearly”?
“Clearly” is an adverb.
Is “clearly” a common word?
“Clearly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “clearly” have?
“Clearly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand.
What is the difference between 'clearly' and 'obviously'?
Both can introduce something evident, but they lean different ways. 'Clearly' stresses that something is easy to perceive or understand — sharp and unambiguous. 'Obviously' stresses that something is so evident it needs no proof, and can sound impatient. You write clearly; a mistake is obviously wrong.
What is an example of 'clearly' in a sentence?
You might say, 'She explained the rules clearly, so everyone understood,' showing ease of understanding. Or, 'I could clearly see the mountains,' showing ease of sight. As a comment on a whole statement it means evidently: 'Clearly, we need a new plan.'
What is the opposite of 'clearly'?
The opposite depends on the sense. When it means easy to understand, opposites include 'vaguely,' 'unclearly,' and 'confusingly.' When it means easy to see or hear, opposites include 'faintly,' 'dimly,' or 'indistinctly.' Each captures a different way something can fail to come across.
Is 'clearly' formal or informal?
'Clearly' is neutral and works in both formal and casual settings, from essays and reports to everyday speech. Used at the start of a sentence to mean 'evidently,' it can sound slightly assertive, so in careful writing some prefer 'evidently' or simply showing the evidence instead.