clearance space

Room to pass

Clearance space is the gap deliberately left between objects to allow movement, access, or safety margins.

Engineers specify clearance space between moving parts to prevent friction or collision.

Building codes require clearance space around equipment for maintenance access or fire safety: Leave at least three feet of clearance space around the water heater.

tightFirmly stretched or fitting
headroomOverhead vertical space
leg roomSeated knee clearance
gapUnfilled space between
air gapEmpty interval between objects

empty · buffer zone · wide · cushion · expansion · firebreak · fire safety · exclusion zone · safety zone · narrow · offset · elbow room · cylinder · protective barrier · allowance · distance · breathing room · wiggle room

Opposites

obstruction vs. openness

clearance spaceobstruction

Something blocking the way

blockage · barrier · impediment · obstacle · encroachment

spatial capacity

clearance spacetight fit

Barely enough space

press fit · cramped space · snug fit · restricted area

Family

clear, clearance, clearances, clearly, clearer, clearest, unclear, clarity, clarify

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G