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 At launch, Tesla included a clause in its purchase agreements stipulating that Cybertruck buyers couldn't sell the vehicle within the first year of ownership without explicit permission from Tesla. James Peckham, PC Magazine, 6 June 2025 On her part, Eady skipped filming the reunion altogether and made a revelation about the explicit photo Moore showed at her event. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 5 June 2025 Under his indictment, Combs is accused of threatening to release explicit videos of Jane, supplying her with narcotics to keep her awake and compliant, and using physical violence to trap her in his abusive dynamic. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 Setting up that app gives parents the option to approve all new friends added to the child's account and even to require explicit permission through the app when the child wants to use video chat. ArsTechnica, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for explicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit
Adjective
  • North American availability and pricing haven't been officially confirmed for this specific edition, but estimates based on potential importation suggest a possible starting point slightly over US $180,000.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
  • None of the companies had any comment on specific deals.
    Allison Lampert, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Republicans have begun to investigate whether aides exercised presidential power in Biden’s name without his express permission or full awareness.
    Sarah Bedford, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025
  • Your contract should also explicitly prohibit using your proprietary data for training AI models without express permission and address intellectual property rights for any outputs generated by AI systems using your data.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Adding to its collection this month is Twin Peaks, director David Lynch’s most definite work.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 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
  • Often hailed as the definitive screen version, this series perfectly captured the turning point in Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s romance and brought to life the very estate many imagined from the novel’s descriptions.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 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
  • So, while Israel is flying the planes, the United States is sending an unmistakable message that its multi-decade strategic partnership with Israel is formidable in the face of threats from anti-American, anti-Western authoritarian regimes.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • An 'unmistakable' long-term trend In practice, investors want to keep their money in the market over decades, and many presidencies.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 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
  • By The New York Times The overhaul was a far cry from the comprehensive review to evaluate aid programs and realign them with U.S. foreign policy that Mr. Trump promised on his first day in office.
    Amy Schoenfeld Walker, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Explicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicit. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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