expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē 

1

: in an express manner : explicitly

expressly rejected the proposal

2

: for the express purpose : particularly, specifically

made expressly for me

Examples of expressly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The label represents the butterfly's flight, mirroring the delicate elegance that is expressly Nizza. — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

The Justice wrote in a 7-2 opinion written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act expressly preempts state law and Monsanto's failure to warn consumers about the dangers of glyphosate. — Carrie Johnson, NPR, 25 June 2026

The 9th Circuit upheld that measure in principle but said California went too far by requiring the owner to post a prominent sign expressly authorizing guns. — Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

But Hawaii and other states flipped the default, prohibiting guns unless an owner gives express permission, rather than allowing guns unless they’re expressly prohibited. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expressly

• pressly

Kids Definition

expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē 

1

: so as to be absolutely clear : explicitly

was expressly forbidden to smoke

2

: for the express purpose : especially

came expressly to congratulate her

Legal Definition

expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly

: in an express manner : in definite and distinct terms

acceptance is expressly conditional