EXPLICIT Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

explicit

adjective

ik-ˈspli-sət

Definition of explicit next

as in specific

so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning explicit instructions about what to do in an emergency

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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

Examples 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 State of play: The advisory recommends revising the labels to include explicit cancer risk warnings. —

Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025 Some of the messages in his work are explicit, writ large in huge quotations drawn from the writings of Richard Rohr, Dorothy Day, St. Therese and others. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2025 Lucius Oglesby, a brand image manager at Ralph Lauren, says that the brand’s Polo line is an explicit example of a company that embraces men’s and women’s versions of designs. —

Julian Randall, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025 Demi Moore’s explicit new film The Substance restored her excitement in acting after almost walking away Technically, Moore won the Robert Altman Award at the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards as a member of the ensemble of Margin Call, but this is her first individual win. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for explicit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit

Adjective

The sponsorship will take center stage at three specific events: the Cook Out Clash on February 2nd, Phoenix Raceway on March 9th, and Richmond Raceway on August 16th.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Other presidents have pardoned family members, but those were for specific criminal convictions.

— Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Jan. 2025