explicitly

adverb

ex·​plic·​it·​ly ik-ˈspli-sət-lē How to pronounce explicitly (audio)
: in an explicit manner : clearly and without any vagueness or ambiguity
We were explicitly warned about what could happen.
The map shows explicitly where the fire alarms are located.
… did not know about the ferrying of weapons to the rebels, an activity explicitly forbidden by Congress.—Neil A. Lewis

Examples of explicitly 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.
Thomas Sargent, a Nobel Laureate known for Rational Expectations theory, is against unconstrained discretion but does not explicitly advocate for a mechanical approach. — David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Preet did not explicitly identify the companies and locations. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026 The order explicitly states the program cannot be used to establish a mandatory federal licensing, permitting or preclearance requirement for the development or release of new AI models. — Luke Fountain,megan Cassella, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 But that law explicitly does not apply to public school teachers. — Holly McDede, ProPublica, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explicitly

Word History

Etymology

explicit + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of explicitly was circa 1657

Rhymes for explicitly

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Browse Nearby Words

explicit function
explicitly
explicitness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicitly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explicitly. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on explicitly

Nglish: Translation of explicitly for Spanish Speakers

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