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

The protest's diversity and lack of clear-cut leaders make dialogue more challenging for the government, Osorio-Michel said.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

But from a mathematical perspective, there is a clear-cut and relatively simple way to help you earn higher guaranteed returns and maximize long-term wealth.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

But Becerra has been the clear-cut beneficiary and his new status was evident Tuesday night as he faced repeated attacks.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

"I think the real benefit is to have a very clear-cut policy, that everybody knows where they stand," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

For the other nations in the confederacy, the benefits of allying with either side were not clear-cut.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Related Words

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