express 1 of 3

verb

ik-ˈspres How to pronounce express (audio)
Definition of expressnext
1
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) in a true democracy, a person can freely express his or her views

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2
as in to squeeze
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of except as a fun event at festivals, nowadays people do not make wine by expressing grapes with their feet

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3
as in to signify
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind an upraised thumb is now universally recognized as a gesture expressing approval or encouragement

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4
as in to say
to convey in appropriate or telling terms could you express your opinion of the book in words a little more precise than "lousy"?

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5
as in to embody
to represent in visible form towering spires express in glass and steel the optimism of the age

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express

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning students are not allowed to leave the grounds during school hours unless they have express permission from the principal's office

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

express

3 of 3

noun

British
as in messenger
one that carries a message or does an errand the solicitors employ an express to deliver their summonses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word express distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of express are air, broach, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When is air a more appropriate choice than express?

In some situations, the words air and express are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

When would broach be a good substitute for express?

The meanings of broach and express largely overlap; however, broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

In what contexts can utter take the place of express?

While in some cases nearly identical to express, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When can vent be used instead of express?

The words vent and express can be used in similar contexts, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

Where would voice be a reasonable alternative to express?

The synonyms voice and express are sometimes interchangeable, but voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

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 express
Verb
This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American. —Arthur Caplan & James Tabery, Scientific American, 28 July 2025 Zac Robinson and Pitre both express optimism that Bijan Robinson’s home run total will jump this year. —Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 July 2025
Adjective
The train operates as an express service with fewer local stops and higher speeds, allowing passengers to get to their location faster. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025 However, by early afternoon Thursday, the allotments of Frequent Fear with express, Frequent Fear Plus Pass with express and Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass with express were sold out, according to Universal’s website. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Noun
Transportation Trinity Metro railway express connects with Dallas’ DART system. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 6 June 2025 Plus, app orders over $150 automatically ship express—no extra steps needed. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for express
Recent Examples of Synonyms for express
  1. voice
  2. squeeze
  3. signify
  4. say
  5. embody
  6. specific
  7. explicit
  8. messenger
Verb
  • In Wednesday’s discussion, though, Musk voiced optimistic projections for rapid increases in robotaxi service.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • During their victim impact statements, the parents of victim Kaylee Goncalves voiced their anger at the 30-year-old Kohberger.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025
Definition of voice
Verb
  • The Euro 2025 quarter-finals had late drama, with Italy squeezing past Norway, a comeback out of nowhere from England, and a farcical penalty shootout win over Sweden.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • In particular, the price of rice has doubled, squeezing many household budgets despite government handouts.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • For a fair assessment, the returns of peer stocks also signify post-earnings one-day (1D) returns.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • This moment signifies an opportunity to bridge the intergenerational gap – ensuring women of all ages are equipped with the information, tools, and resources to live well to and through menopause – and to encourage women to advocate for themselves and their experiences.
    — Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 29 July 2025
Definition of signify
Verb
  • Ogwumike said during Thursday’s CBA media availability that the league did pose ideas regarding extending the season.
    — Ben Pickman, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • The consistency of officiating has been a topic players and coaches have been discussing a lot this season, and Engelbert said the league is aware and will evaluate it.
    — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Definition of say
Verb
  • Van Persie’s bright but brief flame at United embodies the tension between short-term success and sustainable long-term performance that is at the heart of all transfer decisions.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Margaret Qualley is used to embodying larger than life characters on screen.
    — Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
Definition of embody
Adjective
  • Your nerve cells are responsible for sending impulses to specific muscle cells throughout your body to create movement, sensation, or behaviors.
    — Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 20 July 2025
  • But Zeldin faces a major hurdle in accomplishing this feat: The existing PFAS standards are backed by the best currently available scientific evidence linking these specific chemicals to a range of adverse health effects.
    — David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • In moments of crisis or strategic recalibration, when explicit engagement may be too risky or politically untenable, conduct becomes the only available channel for credible signaling.
    — Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Some Republicans want to move on punishing Vladimir Putin, with or without the president’s explicit backing.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of explicit
Noun
  • This watch is capable of replacing your satellite messenger, your cycling computer, and your running watch, adding several handy features to the standard Apple Watch experience.
    — Adrienne So, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Retrograde transits are notorious for bringing the past back around, but the messenger planet’s sextile to Venus fuels the fire.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of messenger

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expressed
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Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/express. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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