explicit

adjective

ik-ˈspli-sət How to pronounce explicit (audio)
Definition of explicitnext
as in specific
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning explicit instructions about what to do in an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word explicit distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of explicit are definite, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

When could definite be used to replace explicit?

While in some cases nearly identical to explicit, definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When would express be a good substitute for explicit?

The meanings of express and explicit largely overlap; however, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When might specific be a better fit than explicit?

The words specific and explicit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of explicit There’s one explicit way that the movie updates the series. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 May 2025 Beyond the explicit teaching of AI collaboration skills, educational institutions must navigate an ever-evolving distinction between core and emerging competencies. —Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Without mentioning Means by name, Adams outlined his position in a May 22 post on X. Adams acknowledged that no explicit federal law mandates the surgeon general be a licensed physician. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 23 May 2025 Bloodlines comes closest, however, with an explicit mention of Kimberly Corman, the heroine of Final Destination 2 (played by A.J. Cook) who defied Death 22 years ago by driving a van into a lake, drowning, and being brought back to life. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for explicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit
  1. specific
  2. express
  3. definite
  4. definitive
  5. unambiguous
  6. unmistakable
  7. unequivocal
  8. comprehensive
Adjective
  • By continually adapting to each user’s specific needs, Dysolve’s AI not only identifies these errors but also actively retrains the brain, enhancing the user’s capacity to process and interpret language.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The organization has demanded that the Channel 4 board of directors publish specific proposals to substantiate claims that indies will ultimately benefit from this restructuring.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 May 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Universal has also announced other products guests can add onto their admission, including express passes, VIP Tours, photos and costume experiences.
    — Samantha Neely, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Besides the $20 welcome discount, the Tony Bianco Insider program offers various perks through four tiers that include birthday discounts, welcome rewards, anniversary rewards, free express shipping, and 10% off some full-price footwear styles.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 22 May 2025
Definition of express
Adjective
  • There’s a definite purity-politics flavor to any suggestion that people should take a moral stand and leave a social network, but also a pretty airtight case to be made for boycotting it.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
  • In unaided awareness, total awareness, definite interest, Final Reckoning is ahead of 2023’s Dead Reckoning which did $54.6M over three days in what was a $78.4M five-day total.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 21 May 2025
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    — Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • While there’s much to say about the social consequences of this behavior, one thing is unambiguous: Completing transactions by phone is standard behavior.
    — Benjamin Claeys, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • However, the White House has been unambiguous in its assessment of the situation.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 May 2025
Definition of unambiguous
Adjective
  • Beyond the physical abuse, Cassie endured a steady drumbeat of insidious threats that sent an unmistakable message: the violence could escalate at any moment.
    — Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • The unmistakable message: in Welch’s House of Representatives, Democratic moderates who think for themselves and question their own party’s orthodoxies are unwelcome.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The director is unequivocal about what ultimately made the production possible: the casting of rising star Ryō Yoshizawa as Kikuo.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • Many of the meme-coin investors are based abroad, and some have been unequivocal about their goal of influencing Trump’s agenda.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 14 May 2025
Definition of unequivocal
Adjective
  • Additionally, Rael is launching at 5,000 Walgreens doors with a comprehensive assortment of products across skin care and period care.
    — Emily Burns, Footwear News, 29 May 2025
  • Travel medical coverage is often part of a comprehensive travel policy that also includes reimbursement for trip cancellation, lost bags and other situations.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Definition of comprehensive

Browse Nearby Words

explicatory
explicit
explicitness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicit. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on explicit

Nglish: Translation of explicit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explicit

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