clarifying 1 of 2

present participle of clarify

clarifying

2 of 2

adjective

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 clarifying
Verb
And that was a clarifying moment for me in my understanding of their relationship. Max Gao, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025 Working at the Taller de Gráfica Popular allowed for a clarifying moment of vision, one that drove her work—politically and artistically—for the rest of her life. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 But this was a clarifying moment for me, as the photo’s release validated other information my source had been sharing in recent weeks. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 4 Sep. 2024 Tuesday against Brooklyn's collection of wings will provide a more clarifying test. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 6 Mar. 2023 Hank Willis Thomas has meditated on the commercialization of Black stereotypes, in ways that are generally more clarifying than Colescott’s histrionic approach. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2022 Biden administration officials say that the Russian invasion has been a clarifying moment for some of the bigger powers in Asia as financial sanctions and export bans have been put in place to check Russia. Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2022 Kyle's clarifying questions ultimately yield a few non-clarifying answers. Jodi Walker, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2021 The most clarifying political moment of the era came with the 1912 presidential election, when corporate concentration was explicitly on the ballot. Zephyr Teachout, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2020
Adjective
Thanks for clarifying, Michael. Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025 The noncomedogenic formula retains face oil’s nourishing benefits while honing in on calming, clarifying, and evening. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025 This story has been updated to add Freida’s second post, clarifying her request for prayers. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025 After facing backlash from the DHS and White House, however, the Grammy winner shared a statement clarifying his intent behind the song. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025 The video post from Parton came after her sister shared a Facebook post clarifying her previous request for prayers. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 Quinlin joked, before clarifying. Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 If a massage or facial sounds more your speed, Gruene Day Spa offers same-day services and packages, including prenatal, hot stone, and sports massages, plus classic and clarifying facials, microdermabrasion, and more. Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025 This clarifying clay mask pairs kaolin and bentonite clays with bamboo charcoal to draw out pore-clogging impurities and sweep away excess oil—without leaving your skin feeling parched. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clarifying
Verb
  • But filtering through every online retailer and big box store’s special savings promotions is overwhelming.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Brita Self-filtering Water Bottle Between layovers and back-to-back flights, staying hydrated can be tricky.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The goal of a lifetime,’’ Corso said after the game, explaining his rationale.
    Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The man responded, explaining that his relationship with Tony’s family went far beyond casual friendliness.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That tape, which takes up the last two discs of Through the Open Window, is also unexpectedly illuminating.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The deep dive into Chaplin’s working methods is compelling and illuminating, and the shooting script itself shows that the always politically and philosophically probing Chaplin hadn’t lost any of his fire or originality in his old age.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The shop has been restoring and refining shorter wheelbase G-Wagens for years now, with the LWB Cabrio being its first stab at a longer one.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Over the next decade, Hawke and Linklater met periodically to read the script, refining it with screenwriter Robert Kaplow between sessions.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Kansas fallout is a zoomed-out picture, illustrating a program that has made significant strides since a winless 2020 season but hasn’t advanced past the tease of something more.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Additionally, the Mets, who sport the second-highest payroll in baseball, did not even make the playoffs, illustrating that more money does not necessarily guarantee success.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The BoE's high-level system-wide explanatory scenario, which is expected to take between nine and 12 months, will engage with a number of private market firms.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This involves using a needle introduced into the growth and extracting a few cells and then examining those cells.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The key to extracting maximum possible power from this process is the membrane.
    Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This project is writing a new chapter in the harmonious coexistence of manufacturing and nature, demonstrating a replicable model for the industry worldwide.
    Sunny Tan, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Trust comes not from claiming perfection but from demonstrating integrity.
    Prof. Dr. med. Mazda Farshad, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clarifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clarifying. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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