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-cut·ting.

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 Words From

• clear-cutness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clear-cut¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

This 2-0 was a clear-cut win, a sharp slice through a loaf, no ambiguity, no crumbs.

From The Daily Beast

Today, in the name of progress, we have faceless interstate highways, clear-cut logging, and industrial farming.

From The Daily Beast

But for those with complicated financial situations, or even complicated family dynamics, things are not so clear-cut.

From The Daily Beast

The resistance to Nazism, however, was morally clear-cut in a way that few political questions are.

From The Daily Beast

The polls say more people will blame the Republicans, but they aren't as clear-cut as they ought to be.

From The Daily Beast

The cropped grass shone clear as emerald, and all the garden showed clear-cut and solid and stable in its propriety and order.

From Project Gutenberg

Honoria Pryse crossed the room in her quick, delicate way; her shrewd, clear-cut face was slightly flushed.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of the young dancers were remarkably pretty, all possessing the clear-cut features of their race.

From Project Gutenberg

She was a very beautiful woman of about thirty, with a small head and a clear-cut grave face.

From Project Gutenberg

Stephen was not a prig and she recognized the justice of his arguments, but he was rather hard and his views were too clear-cut.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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