clear-cut

Also clear cut,

[kleer-kuht, kleer-kuht]

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.

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

adjective

1. definite; not vague

   a clear-cut proposal

2. clearly outlined

verb

1. (tr) another term for clear-fell

Other Word Forms

• clear-cutness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clear-cut¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Altogether, it has created a bizarre playoff picture with no clear answer to a question that’s usually clear-cut at this stage of the season: Who are the best teams in the NFL?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In other words, Bellingham's place in the squad is clear-cut.

Read more on BBC

"The US side should be cautious in its words and deeds on the Taiwan issue and take a clear-cut stance firmly opposing 'Taiwan independence'," Dong said.

Read more on Barron's

This isn’t all on Pages, but seldom do you find such a clear-cut mandate for change.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

According to the people close to the White House’s dynamics, officials are now using the incident as a clear-cut example of China’s coercive tactics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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