1
: very clear and complete : leaving no doubt about the meaning
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.
2
a
: showing or referring very openly to nudity, violence, or sexual activity
explicit photographs
They're concerned about exposing children to (sexually) explicit films.
a song with explicit lyrics
b
: openly shown
The movie contains scenes of explicit violence.
two people engaging in explicit sex
sexually explicit conduct
Cite this Entry
“Explicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/explicit. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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