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Definitions

clear up

VERB
explain; resolve
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clarify illustrate resolve solve straighten out unravel
WEAK
answer cipher decipher dissolve elucidate figure out illuminate make plausible make reasonable puzzle out tidy unfold
Antonyms
STRONGEST
question wonder
WEAK
complicate worsen
VERB
become improved
Synonyms
STRONGEST
die down improve
WEAK
become fair become sunny blow over brighten die away lapse lift pick up run its course
Antonyms
WEAK
complicate question worsen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He suspected that they thought he might be carrying a phony passport, but he was happy to clear up any confusion.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

He predicted it would clear up this year.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Meanwhile, the government's action plan will also see local authorities given a rebate on any land fill tax if they clear up dumps in their areas.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

However, it’s common for an infection to clear up on its own and treatment is mostly geared toward soothing symptoms, according to the American Lung Assn.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Maybe I’ll never get over my grappling for balance, never stop believing life is going to be fair, the minute we can clear up all these mistakes of the temporarily misguided.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver