cleanly 1 of 2

adverb

ˈklēn-lē How to pronounce cleanly (audio)
Definition of cleanlynext
as in legally
according to the rules or the law it was a cleanly fought match, so you have no grounds for complaint

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cleanly

2 of 2

adjective

as in sanitary

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cleanly
Adverb
The truth is that deer are not really all that difficult to kill cleanly. — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026 Ross’ hair was cleanly slicked back, and her makeup was natural and fresh, save for a subtle smokey eye created with a black liner at the outer third of her eyes. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Director Jennifer Chang understands clearly and cleanly which moments need specific tones and moods. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 Among the 21 artists are Julia Chon and Dave Young Kim, who offer cleanly hard-edge paintings of, respectively, a woman in traditional garb and two storks below two strands of barbed wire. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanly
  1. legally
  2. sanitary
  3. sterile
  4. hygienic
  5. pure
  6. untainted
  7. washed
  8. wholesome
Adverb
  • Doctors are expected to process a prescription within 24 – 72 hours, but are not legally obligated to.
    — Esha Desai, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, earlier this year the EU created a legally binding 2040 emissions reduction target.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of legally
Adjective
  • As the war raged on, this makeshift countermeasure was replaced by more sanitary and effective innovations, including gauze pads soaked in hyposulfite solution, flannel hoods, tube helmets, and box respirators.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Here’s what our pros recommend for dusting your bedroom to keep it sanitary and easy to breathe in.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanitary
Adjective
  • Asha Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug If your patio is feeling sterile, layering in accents like an outdoor rug is the key to achieving a cozier vibe.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The sterile design didn’t have seats and encouraged people to order strictly via its mobile app.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • Plus, the product features a push-jar for extra hygienic application (AKA, no scooping product out of the jar with your fingers).
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Once dry, the items can remain protected inside the machine in a hygienic storage environment supported by a medical-grade HEPA filter.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of hygienic
Adjective
  • Kerry’s pure love for her son despite his precarious origins is a meaningful emotional fulcrum.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Individually, the songs on Beat were largely recognizable in the broader indie rock world—post-rock and shoegaze live alongside torchy trip-hop and pure ambient.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • In theory, this untainted market response can then guide Fed officials debating whether to raise or lower rates.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Linger there for some stargazing beneath a sky totally untainted by light.
    — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
Definition of untainted
Adjective
  • Made from naturally breathable, skin-friendly, pre-washed linen, the quilt is designed to hold up for years while growing softer with every wash.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As the Cyclospora outbreak grows, experts recommend washing all fresh produce that hasn’t been pre-washed—not just lettuce.
    — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of washed
Adjective
  • Next to the Herb House spa, the Raw & Cured bar, run by Ria Rhodes and Luke Holder, serves wholesome and healthy superfood meals and smoothies.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Because there was no dialogue to translate, actors could be drawn from across India, and the film went on to win the Indian National Film Award for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of wholesome

Browse Nearby Words

cleanliness
cleanly
cleanness
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Cite this Entry

“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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