clear-cut

American  

[kleer-kuht, kleer-kuht] / ˈklɪərˈkʌt, ˈklɪərˌkʌt /

Also clear cut,

adjective

1. formed with or having clearly defined outlines.

   a face with clear-cut features.

   Synonyms:

   definite, positive, precise, crisp, chiseled

2. unambiguously clear; completely evident; definite.

   His sale of secrets was a clear-cut example of treachery.

3. of or relating to a section of forest where all trees have been cut down for harvesting.

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noun

1. a section of forest where all trees have been cut down for harvesting.

verb (used with object)

clear-cut, clear-cutting

1. to fell all the trees in (a section of forest) for harvesting.

clear-cut British  

adjective

1. definite; not vague

   a clear-cut proposal

2. clearly outlined

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verb

1. (tr) another term for clear-fell

Other Word Forms

• clear-cutness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of clear-cut

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

If the new rules are a gray area, it’s more clear cut elsewhere.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026

"We accept that some cases are very clear cut," said Mike Hewitson, the watchdog's head of policy.

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2024

It's not as clear cut it being that if a person drinks a certain amount of fluoride, they will get a worse report card in school.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2024

More than 80% of the old-growth forests have been clear cut in the region, in every watershed.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

It still had the southern richness of tone, but it had become suddenly more clear cut and incisive.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• categorical
• definitive
• explicit
• obvious
• precise
• pronounced
• specific
• straightforward
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• well-defined