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

In fact, the organizers have expressly banned alcohol and drugs from the event – and the attendees wouldn’t have it any other way. — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 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

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

Both of those elements appear on the Sperry CVO, which is accepted as the first expressly made boat shoe and predates the Top Sider more commonly associated with the brand by a couple of years. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 26 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