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

Now, Neon has countered A24 with an SCP Foundation project that is expressly taking the group’s concerns into account. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Powers not expressly delegated to Congress are reserved to the states. — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Rather than prohibit every version of the display, the board expressly invited the Heuers to propose dimming, shielding or screening the lights, reducing their number or directing them downward. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026

One of the two candidates for president, one of the country’s foremost politicians, was expressly lumping together a sizable American ethnic minority with external enemies. — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 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