Synonyms of explicit

explicit

adjective

ik-ˈspli-sət 

as in specific

so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning

explicit instructions about what to do in an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of explicit

Moscow has long sought to depict its victory as an inevitability, demanding enormous Ukrainian concessions in exchange for any halt to the invasion -- and since January 2025 often with the explicit or implicit backing of the White House. —David Brennan, ABC News, 4 June 2026

While many editors are optimistic that writers would understand the existing anti-plagiarism language in their contracts to already exclude the use of AI, others are actively building in more explicit protections against LLMs or thinking about doing so. —Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 3 June 2026

But Republican senators have clamored for explicit assurance from the administration that the fund will be permanently dropped, with some threatening to hold up voting on amendments as the Senate attempts to advance a party-line funding bill for immigration enforcement. —Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026

Mastering the Cycles of Leadership The structural answer to both failure modes is explicit decision rights. —Adrienne Down Coulson, Fortune, 2 June 2026