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 Newsom and lawmakers used that opening to strong-arm the companies, although the deal does not give drivers an explicit right to strike. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 Some women cried and talked about still being broken and traumatized by having explicit videos of them posted online and shared among family members, friends, coworkers and their college communities. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025 Maintain explicit commitments to workforce retention. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 Over the years, allegations have ranged from reckless misrepresentations of the truth to instances of explicit abuse that will always inform the memory of Ed. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 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
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Advertisement The story centers on Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman, son of the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman), a young man who has volunteered for the walk with the express goal of using his victory wish to get his hands on one of the guards' assault rifles and gun down the Major.
    — Megan McCluskey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Get practical tips for practical tips on using AI to uncover, express, and expand your personal brand in this Maven Lightning Lesson video.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of express
Adjective
  • While the San Francisco 49ers started off their 2025 NFL schedule with a 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, there are definite reasons for their fans to be concerned.
    — Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • That’s been valuable, but even then, there’s no definite timeline for how long this lasts.
    — Melissa Showers, Flow Space, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • Ditto the Hammer Studios output of the 1950s and ’60s, Bernie Wrightson’s definitive illustrations of the Creature, oodles of Gothic literature, Roger Corman’s Poe pictures, and Mario Bava’s retina-searing color creep shows.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Forbes today unveils its 44th annual Forbes 400 list, the definitive ranking of the wealthiest Americans.
    — Forbes Press Releases, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Lead researchers on the project concluded that there was no unambiguous discovery of life by the Viking landers, but it cannot be completely ruled out.
    — Joel S. Levine, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This is the complete opposite of most programming languages, where syntax typically tries to be explicit and unambiguous.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of unambiguous
Adjective
  • There is a deep respect for the brand’s heritage throughout the collection, but also an unmistakable drive to modernize, internationalize, and individualize the designs for today’s and tomorrow’s audience.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The mood on the factory floor was unmistakable.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • That’s unequivocal and provable.
    — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • That is not to say one approach is better or worse than another; rather, even the most scientific approach might still not provide unequivocal conclusions.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of unequivocal
Adjective
  • Researchers will continue monitoring the southern resident population while advocating for comprehensive recovery efforts.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike past efforts, China offers a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, from drones and radar to naval assets, that could form the technological basis of a shared force.
    — Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 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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