explicit

ex·plic·it | \ ik-ˈspli-sət

Definition of explicit

1a : fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity : leaving no question as to meaning or intent explicit instructions

b : open in the depiction of nudity or sexuality explicit books and films

2 : fully developed or formulated an explicit plan an explicit notion of our objective

3 : unambiguous in expression was very explicit on how we are to behave

4 of a mathematical function : defined by an expression containing only independent variables — compare implicit sense 1c

Other Words from explicit Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about explicit

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Choose the Right Synonym for explicit

explicit, definite, express, specific 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 definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision. the law is definite in such cases express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance. her express wishes specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular. two specific criticisms

Examples of explicit in a Sentence

From closer restrictions on sexually explicit writing came the success, in the mid-19th century, of the novelist George Thompson, who combined graphically violent scenes set in urban dystopias with coy peekaboo references to sex. — Susan Dominus, New York Times Book Review, 5 Apr. 2009 … the cheerleaders in Washington wore dreads and leather pants and those burdensome-looking collections of buttons (those … skeins of explicit ideology), rather than letter sweaters and pleated skirts … — Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2001 Therefore, the Administration's policy was the explicit, if unpublicized, one that it was necessary to allow Saddam Hussein to put down the rebellions. — Elizabeth Drew, New Yorker, 6 May 1991 They were given explicit instructions. Changes to the property can't be done without their explicit consent. The law is very explicit about how these measures should be enacted. a song with explicit lyrics The movie contains scenes of explicit violence. two people engaging in explicit sex

Recent Examples on the Web This is in addition to the explicit cultural work police produce to endear themselves to the public. — Nick Martin, The New Republic, "Bingeing on Cop Propaganda," 28 Jan. 2020 Campbell is forthright in addressing what became a central part of Bearden’s body of work during these years: his often explicit representation of black female figures. — Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, The New York Review of Books, "Romare Bearden: Assembling America," 28 Jan. 2020 The Kessler Plan Association, which drove the City Beautiful development of Dallas in the aftermath of the disastrous flood of 1908, was a work of explicit white supremacy. — Mark Lamster, Dallas News, "Dallas is planning a lynching memorial: It should think bigger," 24 Jan. 2020 First, the researchers set up an explicit persuasion attempt to test the confidence hypothesis. — Karinna Hurley, Scientific American, "How “Paralinguistic Cues” Can Help You to Persuade," 23 Jan. 2020 As of 2019, 91% of Fortune 500 companies have explicit gender identity nondiscrimination protections, which is an increase of 88% (!!) from the first equality survey in 2002. — Ellen Mcgirt, Fortune, "A look inside Fertility Inc.," 23 Jan. 2020 The consultant, Gavin De Becker, made no explicit allegation at the time that Bezos' phone had been hacked. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, "Report: Bezos phone uploaded GBs of personal data after getting Saudi prince’s WhatsApp message," 21 Jan. 2020 Its title and cover art are an explicit nod to a 1958 album of eerie bachelor-pad music presented by filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. — Brian Mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "Eminem releases surprise album, urges gun reform in video citing Vegas concert massacre," 17 Jan. 2020 But last June, Sinema voted for an amendment to the a defense bill that would have prohibited Trump from using U.S. funds for military operations against Iran without explicit authorization from Congress. — Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, azcentral, "With Iran tensions, the Senate returns to debate over Trump war powers," 15 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'explicit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.