Definitions

clean slate

NOUN

new start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fresh start

WEAK

clean hands clean sweep clear conscience new beginning square one tabula rasa

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.

That provides a clean slate for the ensuing bounce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Skipper Stokes said they were starting with a clean slate, despite their miserable record in Australia.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

But that actually gave me a completely clean slate when I became a musician.”

From Salon • Nov. 5, 2025

"This is a clean slate - pay for each one. If you cannot afford it, don't get on the train," Judge Smith warned Tooley.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

Each day she faced us with a clean slate and acted as if ours were clean as well.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou