Skip to main content
Clarifications provide additional context when rule wording can be interpreted in more than one way. They specify how the existing rules should be understood, resolve ambiguous language, and ensure markets resolve according to the intended criteria.

​
Clarification Purpose

Clarifications usually do one of three things:
  • Clarify timing or wording that could be interpreted more than one way
  • State whether a specific event satisfies the rules
  • Define which resolution sources count for the market

​
Effect on Orderbooks

Before a clarification is posted:
  • Liquidity may be reduced
  • Spreads may widen
  • Volatility can increase when there is uncertainty
When a clarification is posted, Polymarket clears the order book so that resting orders are not executed under clarified rules.

​
Effect on Shares

After a clarification is posted:
  • It removes ambiguity about what counts
  • It can confirm whether the rule conditions have been met
  • It can clarify whether the market should continue trading or is eligible for resolution

​
Examples

​
Timing Interpretation

  • Rule ambiguity: The rules require an event to occur “by the end of the quarter.”
  • Clarification: Only events occurring on or before a stated cut-off time count.
  • Effect: Defines the exact timing threshold.

​
Event Qualification

  • Rule ambiguity: The rules require “an official announcement” but do not specify the communication channel.
  • Clarification: Only announcements published through the designated official channel count.
  • Effect: Specifies which announcements qualify as the event.

​
Source Specification

  • Rule ambiguity: The rules require confirmation “from official data.”
  • Clarification: Only data published by the designated official source counts.
  • Effect: Identifies the authoritative source used for resolution.

​
Key Points

  • Clarifications add context when rule wording is ambiguous
  • They explain how timing, qualification, or sourcing should be interpreted
  • Polymarket clears the order book when a clarification is posted
  • Clarifications can confirm whether rule conditions have been met