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
as in sanitary
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of cleanly
Jill Lupupa, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
Other options like the fall apart-tender pork belly taco, topped with sour-sweet tamarind salsa, cleanly acidic gooseberry salsa, and bright serranos round out the thoughtful menu at Guerilla Tacos.
—Javier Cabral, Bon Appétit, 21 July 2023
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
In the movies, a person might light a firecracker and blow off a finger cleanly.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Adverb
Ripa smiled at the camera with cleanly arched eyebrows, long eyelashes and long blonde locks that fell past her shoulders.
—Jill Lupupa, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
Other options like the fall apart-tender pork belly taco, topped with sour-sweet tamarind salsa, cleanly acidic gooseberry salsa, and bright serranos round out the thoughtful menu at Guerilla Tacos.
—Javier Cabral, Bon Appétit, 21 July 2023
Adjective
On pole, Max Verstappen started cleanly but, behind him, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon collided, sending Lawson spinning off the track and causing a virtual safety car to be deployed.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
In the movies, a person might light a firecracker and blow off a finger cleanly.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleanly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanly
Adverb
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However, faced with increasingly severe roadblocks to crossing into the U.S., whether legally or illegally, the sprawling border city has lately become a place to call home.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Immigrants residing in the country illegally and legally, with valid documentation such as green cards and visas, have been detained.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Schrader suggests wiping down cabinetry knobs or pulls, light switches, and doorknobs at least once a month to make your home more sanitary.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
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This farming age, as well as more densely populated communities and poor sanitary conditions saw these zoonotic pathogens evolve to better transmit among their new hosts, with no need to use animals as intermediaries anymore.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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There will also be more space for the hospital's pharmacy, lab, sterile processing department and administrative and educational areas.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
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The numbers need to be large enough that females in the wild can't help but hook up with sterile males for mating.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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The outdoor splash park will have 15 interactive features from gentle jets to fountains to misting stations while also designed for safety with non-slip surfaces and other hygienic protections.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Apr. 2025
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Pros: The packaging keeps the formula stable and is more hygienic than a jar Cons: None This nourishing formula is a favorite among dermatologists.—
Deanna Pai,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Happening in early May, the festival’s events are pure Americana.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
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In many ways, the time trial is the purest form of cycling — a body and a bike, alone against the clock, but its engineering focus means that wealthier teams often excel.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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One quick incision near the gills to bleed the fish will keep the meat fresh and untainted.—
Mike Raabe,
Outdoor Life,
2 July 2025
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There is a new young star to put on billboards around the team and throw into commercials, one who, unlike Davis, is untainted by a trade that will live in infamy. Harrison, pilloried in the aftermath of the Dončić trade, somehow got some salvation, though not forgiveness.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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For years, Elmo’s account has been a place where people could count on lighthearted, wholesome content.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Having a big sweet tooth, Castle was disappointed in the lack of wholesome cookie dough brands.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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The island’s primitive campsites are a great way to enjoy the unpolluted dark skies in a serene atmosphere.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2025
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This is not just good for farmers, but for the 1.8 million people who rely on unpolluted water from our three county reservoirs.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleanly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanly. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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