clearheaded

American  

[kleer-hed-id] / ˈklɪərˈhɛd ɪd /

adjective

1. having or showing an alert mind.

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Other Word Forms

• clearheadedly
  adverb
• clearheadedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of clearheaded

First recorded in 1700–10; clear + head ( def. ) + -ed ³ ( def. )

Explanation

If you're clearheaded, you're wide awake, focused, and thinking sensibly. A clearheaded student will probably do better on a calculus test than her sleepy, confused classmate. Complex thought and analysis ideally requires a clearheaded thinker — and you can also describe the thinking and decisions themselves as clearheaded. A clearheaded debate between political candidates is much more useful and interesting than a muddled, angry, and confusing argument. The word clearheaded, sometimes spelled with a hyphen, clear-headed, originated in the early 18th century.

Example Sentences

Deciding to rent first allows you to settle in slowly, let the early enthusiasm pass and put yourself in a position to make clearheaded decisions.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

She says she hasn’t had a fall since, and feels more clearheaded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

His legs and lungs burned, but he felt the most clearheaded he had in years.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2022

I was sobered then, and remain clearheaded now, about the threats of a loaded gun in the hands of someone who lacks skill in handling firearms.

From Washington Post • Jun. 24, 2022

If your brain is taxed, you may not even be able to make a clearheaded decision about what is the right thing to do.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel