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

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 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has affirmed the kingdom’s position in ‘a clear and explicit manner’ that does not allow for any interpretation under any circumstances. —

Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025 Investigators were able to recover multiple explicit photos sent over Snapchat, the warrant affidavit said. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025 Folks responding on Reddit overwhelmingly sided with the spouse who shared the story and many had explicit words for the OP's significant other. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Teaming must become more deliberate, more explicit, more clearly scaffolded and more deeply ingrained in the culture of the group. —

Jeffrey R. Wilson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for explicit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit

Adjective

The company did not publicly release a specific reason for the closure.

— Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025
The official did not provide specific benchmarks that could be met to lift the new tariffs, saying only that the best measure would be fewer Americans dying from fentanyl addiction.

— Christopher Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025