Synonyms of express

express 1 of 3

verb

ik-ˈspres 

1

as in to voice

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion)

in a true democracy, a person can freely express his or her views

Synonyms & Similar Words

• voice
• give
• state
• announce
• write
• convey
• air
• look
• say
• expound
• describe
• raise
• ventilate
• vent
• proclaim
• sound
• put forth
• declare
• publish
• disseminate
• offer
• submit
• circulate
• advertise
• give air to
• broadcast
• communicate
• enunciate
• write up
• speak out
• speak up
• enounce
• put over
• put across
• sound off
• chime in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• restrict
• restrain
• stifle
• censor

2

as in to squeeze

to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of

except as a fun event at festivals, nowadays people do not make wine by expressing grapes with their feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• squeeze
• crush
• press
• extract
• mash
• pulp
• ream
• extrude
• puree

3

as in to signify

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind

an upraised thumb is now universally recognized as a gesture expressing approval or encouragement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• signify
• mean
• imply
• denote
• indicate
• intend
• import
• spell
• suggest
• explain
• represent
• infer
• symbolize
• symbol
• embody
• specify
• proclaim
• connote
• mention
• announce
• touch (on or upon)
• hint
• point (to)
• amount (to)
• add up (to)
• cite
• elucidate
• personify
• refer (to)
• designate
• signal
• instance
• intimate
• allude (to)
• declare
• insinuate
• epitomize
• advert

4

as in to say

to convey in appropriate or telling terms

could you express your opinion of the book in words a little more precise than "lousy"?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• say
• articulate
• put
• phrase
• word
• formulate
• state
• describe
• clothe
• translate
• imply
• couch
• speak
• summarize
• tell
• communicate
• hint
• suggest
• disclose
• craft
• restate
• utter
• paraphrase
• verbalize
• rephrase
• intimate
• render
• insinuate
• vocalize
• talk
• frame
• reword
• write up

5

as in to embody

to represent in visible form

towering spires express in glass and steel the optimism of the age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• embody
• incorporate
• symbolize
• manifest
• body
• exemplify
• illustrate
• personify
• personalize
• realize
• epitomize
• externalize
• instantiate
• substantiate
• incarnate
• materialize
• actualize
• typify
• concretize
• objectify
• image

express

2 of 3

adjective

1

as in specific

of a particular or exact sort

a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specific
• special
• sole
• precise
• distinct
• concrete
• set
• only
• especial
• specialized
• peculiar
• single
• distinctive
• limited
• separate
• individual
• restricted
• unique
• solitary
• exclusive
• lone
• given
• differentiated
• specified

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• general
• nonspecific
• generalized
• universal
• generic
• nonexclusive

2

as in explicit

so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning

students are not allowed to leave the grounds during school hours unless they have express permission from the principal's office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explicit
• definite
• specific
• definitive
• unmistakable
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• literal
• complete
• comprehensive
• full
• univocal
• clear
• clear-cut
• stated
• simple
• precise
• specified
• avowed
• comprehensible
• direct
• distinct
• declared
• categorical
• certain
• understandable
• exact
• intelligible
• sure
• exhaustive
• lucid
• plain
• straightforward
• well-defined

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• implied
• implicit
• inferred
• unclear
• dark
• obscure
• ambiguous
• cryptic
• enigmatic
• incorrect
• inaccurate
• vague
• circuitous
• imprecise
• indefinite
• inexact
• equivocal
• incomprehensible
• unintelligible
• inexplicit
• unspecific

express

3 of 3

noun

British

as in messenger

one that carries a message or does an errand

the solicitors employ an express to deliver their summonses

Synonyms & Similar Words

• messenger
• courier
• runner
• page
• delegate
• representative
• ambassador
• agent
• go-between
• harbinger
• bearer
• mail carrier
• herald
• letter carrier
• forerunner
• carrier
• envoy
• emissary
• deputy
• mailman
• deliveryman

Synonym Chooser

How is the word express distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of express are air, broach, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When is air a more appropriate choice than express?

In some situations, the words air and express are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

When would broach be a good substitute for express?

The meanings of broach and express largely overlap; however, broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

In what contexts can utter take the place of express?

While in some cases nearly identical to express, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When can vent be used instead of express?

The words vent and express can be used in similar contexts, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

Where would voice be a reasonable alternative to express?

The synonyms voice and express are sometimes interchangeable, but voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of express

Verb

While some local businesses remained closed Friday as part of the protest, others still opened their doors while publicly expressing support of the cause. —Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026

Performing under her real name Saraya in AEW, Paige mutually parted ways with the company in March 2025 but has recently expressed her desire to wrestle again. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Adjective

The judge concluded program participants could not be Salvation Army employees because there was no express or implied agreement they would be compensated. —Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

There is a bit of an ideological bent to the debate over whether, for example, federal courts can provide remedies for unconstitutional actions by federal officers without an express act of Congress. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Noun

The fun continues at night with a pumpkin express light show, bring-your-own-flashlight corn maze, bonfires on Saturday night only and firework shows. —Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025

This is what Brennan Marion and the 71 players the Sacramento State coach brought aboard the Hornets express signed up for. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025