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

Relevance

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 While his exhortation left off Brady’s signature profane intensifier, the motivational gambit remained explicit even in the absence of the familiar F-bomb. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 Players and Storytellers can also easily find safety tools through explicit TTRPG Safety Toolkit callouts. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 July 2026 During one scene, Einbinder — dressed in a replica of a black dress Gyllenhaal wore in the original film — acted out an explicit orgasm as described in the script, breaking character in the middle of the scene to double over laughing. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 July 2026 Prosecutors said employees also posted fake Craigslist ads using the couple's home address, sent explicit magazines to neighbors, conducted in-person surveillance and discussed installing a GPS tracker on the Steiners' vehicle. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 29 July 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
  • Which is not entirely unreasonable given this very specific set of circumstances.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Kansas City-area college also offers an AI certificate and is making plans to tailor AI classes to specific occupations, such as human resources and medical careers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Her book led to congressional hearings that ultimately forced funeral directors to adopt a more transparent cost base for consumers and prevented them from engaging in expensive embalming procedures without express permission.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • According to Sun Meijun, director of the GAC, an average of 400,000 containers, 15 million tons of cargo, 22 million express parcels, and 2 million people pass through China’s port system daily.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Definition of express
Adjective
  • The Mets, unlike Chapman’s surging Red Sox, are definite sellers.
    — The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • Several players declined to comment on the session, but some, including Richard Bland, pointed to DeChambeau’s role in the meeting and cited a lack of definitive updates.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • With so much uncertainty still surrounding the ruling, Danielson wouldn’t commit to a timeline or even provide a definitive answer as to whether either player would be allowed to return.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz holds the unambiguous record for the most unpopular chancellor in Germany’s history, with his approval rating hitting 16% in May, according to a Deutschlandtrend/ARD poll.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026
  • So what White said Wednesday was an unambiguous, necessary refresh.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of unambiguous
Adjective
  • That interplay of warmth, spice, and richer notes is what gives fall fragrances their unmistakable character, setting them apart from the lighter, brighter scents of spring and summer.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Few heads turn despite her tall, unmistakable frame shuffling across the floor.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • As for the former Big Brother player in the mix, JCM is unequivocal.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026
  • But being unequivocal about the end of the ceasefire also could free up Iran militarily — which could again roil oil prices and financial markets.
    — Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of unequivocal
Adjective
  • This enables comprehensive pre-arrival planning, reducing friction for guests and maximizing ancillary revenue for hotels.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • What’s New Think of this as a comprehensive refresh rather than an all-new model.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 29 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on explicit

Nglish: Translation of explicit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explicit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All