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 When these deals were first inked, an explicit goal for these companies was to reach parents who didn’t allow their kids to watch YouTube. — Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 Only an explicit, committed fight for educational justice can do that. — Kamau Bobb october 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 Freedom said his effort to join the league is intended to push it to adopt an explicit requirement limiting participation to biological females. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The effort responds to years of training from those models on screenplays without explicit permission, which has sparked questions over the legality of using those scripts without permission. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 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
  • That website works great in the demo—under specific conditions and without users with thumbs for fingers.
    — Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But rather than any of her contemporaries, one specific anecdote from Jensen’s school years seems like the most apt context for the measured wandering on Jazz dreams.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Officers at Indianapolis’ express consignment facility also intercepted 96 counterfeit watches bearing Swatch, Audemars Piguet and Rolex trademarks on July 30.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Anta is a relatively new business, founded in 1991, with the express goal of becoming the biggest athletic company on earth.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of express
Adjective
  • Jacob Rodriguez, Jordyn Brooks, Chris Johnson and Phillips look like definite foundational players, and Robinson is trending in the right direction.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Still, there’s no solid definite word as to who might fill Lin’s vacancy.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • And definitive explanations for Bonfire and Dynamite aren’t forthcoming.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The oil-rich province of Alberta has rejected the pathway to secession and will remain part of Canada, landing a definitive blow to a fringe but loud campaign which sought support from the US.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • The latter pair wants to go to court, where an unambiguous winner will be declared.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Wasson is unambiguous about the state of mind in which the young Capra disembarked in the New World.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of unambiguous
Adjective
  • The subtle, but unmistakable, undercurrent of apple sweetness struck me as a bit of a magic trick in a bread that, otherwise, to the eye and hand was just a soft white loaf.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The vamp features an unmistakable signature of the Italian house, a horsebit.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The Board of Peace has been unequivocal that UNRWA will have no involvement in Gaza.
    — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In civil denaturalization cases, the government generally must prove its case in federal court with clear, unequivocal and convincing evidence, a demanding standard that reflects the importance of citizenship and the consequences of revoking it.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of unequivocal
Adjective
  • In addition to this, more comprehensive work looking into how natto appears to improve bone health has made this avenue of research particularly interesting.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This made the discovery more comprehensive, but almost made clear that the flaw was more serious than Calif had originally realized, an OpenAI spokesperson told Fortune.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
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 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on explicit

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explicit

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