Definition of expressnext
1
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

3
4
5

express

2 of 3

adjective

express

3 of 3

noun

British

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

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 express
Verb
Don’t wait for a child to express discomfort or pain to lighten the load, experts say. Cheyanne Mumphrey, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Chelsea spotted Grace Ruth Sery of Ivory Coast before WAFCON kicked off and expressed keen interest in signing the 18-year-old, but ultimately the midfielder went with Norwegian club FC Nordsjælland in February. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Throughout the season, viewers see Hayward express jealousy when Bienvenue works alongside another female nanny without her around. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 The primary belt carries sushi plates through the entire dining area while a secondary express belt delivers items ordered on the touch panel menu directly to customers’ tables. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for express
Recent Examples of Synonyms for express
Verb
  • English trip hop group Massive Attack are under investigation by Singapore authorities after voicing support for Palestine during a recent show in the country, according to reports from the BBC and Channel News Asia.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
  • Several local MPs and some residents have voiced support for the refinery project.
    Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Yet despite their clear burnout, most can’t afford to simply quit; not with the cost of living squeezing every paycheck, AI already closing in on entry-level roles, and one of the toughest job markets in years waiting on the other side.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • As a result, in 2015-16, regulators delayed the crab season for months, ultimately squeezing the typical seven months down to roughly two.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • After the match, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins shared a fist bump, signifying the end of the Shield lore in WWE.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • At Monday’s press event, CTU and Illinois Federation of Teachers President Stacy Davis Gates said the expansion signifies progress.
    Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Every year, the Fuller family comes together to celebrate his birthday and death anniversary, something his aunt says helps to keep his spirit alive in the community.
    Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • But in comments to The Sacramento Bee, spokespeople for the two companies both said that regardless of how the new ESA interpretation runs out, their timber operations will not destroy marbled murrelet habitat.
    Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • One organization that embodies this legacy is EVE for Life in Jamaica.
    Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Jantar Mantar, the protest site in Delhi, embodied an aesthetic of collective transgression.
    Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Which is not entirely unreasonable given this very specific set of circumstances.
    Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Kansas City-area college also offers an AI certificate and is making plans to tailor AI classes to specific occupations, such as human resources and medical careers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In reality, execution is built on clear ownership, protected time for focused work and explicit permission to disconnect.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • While his exhortation left off Brady’s signature profane intensifier, the motivational gambit remained explicit even in the absence of the familiar F-bomb.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • The messenger planet will also make an opposition to powerhouse Pluto, suggesting that a significant partnership could potentially challenge your point of view, or plans for the future.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In the space of a week, a flaw in a leading bitcoin hardware wallet left users’ funds vulnerable and Russia moved against the founder of a messenger marketed on privacy.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/express. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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