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

But sometimes the messy nature of reality makes it difficult to give clear-cut answers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Folks were more comfortable banning those because it was clear-cut and each image had a distinct file.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

But as for what lazy cooking actually entails, it’s not super clear-cut.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

In New York little over five years ago, it was a clear-cut case.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

We stood in a field, one where trees had been clear-cut and what remained was nothing more than what looked like some sad, ancient war zone.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

Related Words

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