Clean-cut
adj.capable, calmprofessional
What it means
Neat, conventionally tidy, and sharply presented in appearance or design.
Reach for it when describing visual order while avoiding assumptions about character
The brochure used a clean-cut grid with generous spacing.
Choose between these
5- playful
sharp lines and fresh presentation create energy
not when Crisp can describe sound, food, or prose without being clean-cut.
- everyday
tidiness and order are all that need saying
not when Neat is broader and lacks the sharply groomed or outlined look.
- everyday
compact, tidy form or dress is the focus
not when Trim can imply body shape and should not substitute for character praise.
- professional
a person's careful personal presentation is specific
not when Grooming says nothing about the clarity of a design.
- formal
refined finishing and professional presentation matter
not when Polish may hide complexity rather than produce clean simplicity.
Said against
3- unkempt
- shaggy
- sloppy
It naturally appears in
3- clean-cut appearance
His clean-cut appearance suited the formal portrait.
- clean-cut design
The clean-cut design separates each stage of the process.
- clean-cut lines
Clean-cut lines give the small cabinet a confident shape.
Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, adjective sense 1 opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.