Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

clear as mud

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.10 in modern English

Syllables
clear as -mud
IPA
15
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
2
Syllables
9
Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Unclear; difficult or impossible to understand or interpret.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Blend of clear as day + mud. Compare muddy (“unclear, blurry”).

Phrases

muddy the waters

Frequently Paired Words

muddy the waters

Synonyms

muddied muddy muddled muddle-headed

Antonyms

clear as day apparent arrant undoubted glaring bait blatant clear clear as a bell clear cut conspicuous crystal clear

Questions

What does clear as mud mean?
Unclear; difficult or impossible to understand or interpret.
Where does clear as mud come from?
Blend of clear as day + mud. Compare muddy (“unclear, blurry”).

How to pronounce clear as mud

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “clear as mud”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “clear as mud”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “clear as mud” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.