expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē How to pronounce expressly (audio)
Synonyms of expresslynext
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
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.
Currently, the components that make up CBP’s Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE), the new tool being developed expressly for the purpose of issuing IEEPA refunds within its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), are at varying levels of completion. Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026 Sculptor and illustrator Jacques Tilly, who designed the aforementioned float, has been reported to the police for disseminating hate speech and violating the Criminal Code, which prohibits the use of Nazi imagery for purposes not expressly linked to art, scholarship, teaching, or reporting. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026 As the court expressly recognized, the First Amendment draws a line, which the government may not cross, at efforts to use government power—including the power of the purse—‘to punish or suppress disfavored expression’ by others. Todd Spangler, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026 User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expressly was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Expressly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressly. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

expressly

adverb
ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē How to pronounce expressly (audio)
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

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