expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē How to pronounce expressly (audio)
Synonyms of expresslynext
1
: in an express manner : explicitly
expressly rejected the proposal
2
: for the express purpose : particularly, specifically
made expressly for me

Examples of expressly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which had been set up in 1967 expressly to funnel federal money to local stations, went out of business. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 26 July 2026 Margaret and Alice are the forerunners of Lucy and Ethel, and Shakespeare’s comedy, written expressly to entertain, gives us a sense of what an Elizabethan-era situation comedy might look like. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 They would also be restricted from using grants to pay for conferences and professional memberships unless expressly approved by the federal agency. — Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 23 July 2026 The February filing expressly argued that men and biological women who identify as men can be treated differently under equal-protection principles and emphasized the large degree of deference courts traditionally give military judgments. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expressly was in the 14th century

Rhymes for expressly

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Browse Nearby Words

express liner
expressly
Express Mail
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Cite this Entry

“Expressly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressly. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expressly

adverb
ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē How to pronounce expressly (audio)
1
: so as to be absolutely clear : explicitly
was expressly forbidden to smoke
2
: for the express purpose : especially
came expressly to congratulate her

Legal Definition

expressly

adverb
ex·​press·​ly
: in an express manner : in definite and distinct terms
acceptance is expressly conditional

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