Synonym Chooser

How is the word explicit distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of explicit are definite, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

When could definite be used to replace explicit?

While in some cases nearly identical to explicit, definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When would express be a good substitute for explicit?

The meanings of express and explicit largely overlap; however, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When might specific be a better fit than explicit?

The words specific and explicit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of explicit The Dodgers announced the steps in a five-paragraph news release that was delicately worded to avoid potentially inflammatory political terms, and which stopped short of an explicit condemnation of the federal policy. Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025 In the mayoral race, the most explicit issues that have been hashed out between the candidates have been public safety and affordability. Eric Lach, New Yorker, 18 June 2025 The study exposed fundamental limitations in exact computation, revealing that these systems fail to use explicit algorithms and reason inconsistently across similar puzzles. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Other insiders agreed, but argued permitting reform and more explicit federal support will be needed first. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for explicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit
Adjective
  • Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair).
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 June 2025
  • By pinpointing specific areas where AI can make a quick impact, like root cause analysis, predictive maintenance or knowledge management, the value can be immediate while keeping the enterprise rollout manageable.
    Andreas Eschbach, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The universities in their lawsuit argue that the 15% cap on reimbursement rates for those indirect costs flouted the regulatory regime governing them and Congress' express directives.
    Nate Rayond, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • And consider hiring outside talent from the outside with the express goal of being spun out again in a year or two.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Albie is a definite contrast from Arthur Pym, one of the most heinous men Hamill’s ever played in his career.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2025
  • She’s Got No Name marks a definite shift in tone and mood for the 40-year veteran who has never been afraid of jumping genres, from the romance of Comrades: Almost a Love Story (1996) to the action of The Warlords (2007) and on to the comedy of American Dreams in China (2013).
    Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 June 2025
  • Such discrepancies in Bach’s manuscripts show that no definitive version of the Mass exists and that modern performers are free to follow their intuition.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Whether that caution slows adoption or increases security maturity remains to be seen, but the message is unambiguous: the era of unchecked AI optimism in federal cybersecurity is over.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • While there’s much to say about the social consequences of this behavior, one thing is unambiguous: Completing transactions by phone is standard behavior.
    Benjamin Claeys, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The pattern is unmistakable: just as Enron triggered SOX, AI governance failures will trigger mandatory expertise requirements.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The symbolism of the decision to target this base—the same one that U.S. President Donald Trump visited only two months ago during his tour of Gulf states, and one located in a country that maintains close ties to and shares an offshore gas field with Iran—is unmistakable.
    Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Companies Should Take Care Of Themselves The conclusion is unequivocal: While governments around the world continue to clash over numerous intersection points between AI and IP, companies must first and foremost rely on their own efforts.
    Olena Orliuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • For seven months, this will be unequivocal: His most recent game stunk.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, U.S., and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, the U.S. and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicit. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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