explicit

adjective

ik-ˈspli-sət How to pronounce explicit (audio)
Definition of explicitnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 While many organizations have created AI guidelines or invested in AI capabilities, making AI proficiency an explicit job requirement across all roles signals a fundamental belief that AI competency has become as essential as email or basic computer skills once were. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Platform engineering flips the script on this by creating internal platforms engineered to provide explicit abstraction for hard infrastructure management work, simplifying workflows and boosting the productivity of developers. —Sai Sandeep Ogety, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Sometimes, this capturing of subjectivity is even explicit, such as when the CIA constructs chatbots to stand in for world leaders and interrogates them. —Big Think, 8 Apr. 2025 The need to feel recognized, connected, and secure transcends political affiliation—creating an opportunity for brands to reach across divides while carrying significantly less risk than explicit political positioning. —Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for explicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit
  1. specific
  2. express
  3. definite
  4. definitive
  5. unambiguous
  6. unmistakable
  7. unequivocal
  8. comprehensive
Adjective
  • The models are also trained to follow instructions more literally, which requires careful and specific prompting but allows for greater control over the output.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hilbert mentioned some specific subgoals, however, and researchers have since refined his vision into concrete steps toward its solution.
    — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • The new console will be backwards compatible — able to play physical and digital Switch games — but users will need to purchase a microSD express memory card for the Switch 2.
    — Ryan Kryska, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Terminating funding for direct legal representation for unaccompanied children, without any plan to ensure continuity in representation, potentially violates Congress’s express directive in the TVRPA and ORR’s [Office of Refugee Resettlement] own commitments in the Foundational Rule.
    — Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of express
Adjective
  • Call me crazy, but there’s a definite pulp feel to all the prison scenes and sets, too.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For everything else, pause until there is more clarity – Effective leaders are realistic about their ability to set a definite plan in the early days of tariffs.
    — John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    — Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Written by Mexican composer José Alfredo Jiménez in 1971, the song gained even greater prominence when Fernández recorded his definitive version two years later.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Reporting indicates that Iran’s objectives in these talks are unambiguous.
    — The Editors, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
  • His message was unambiguous: AI should augment, not replace, the scientific process.
    — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of unambiguous
Adjective
  • Immediate Action Required: The urgency is unmistakable.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His speech contained an unmistakable warning for Bolsonaro.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • What the Experts Say About Whole Body MRI Despite these nuanced findings, the American College of Radiology (ACR) is unequivocal in its current stance.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Schiff’s statement about his U.S. boycott was unequivocal in its admonition of current America politics.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of unequivocal
Adjective
  • In a comprehensive, step-by-step Reddit guide published on r/DHGate, user FabulousNinja8399 shares that this medal signals a seller has achieved the highest grade a store can receive: ACE status.
    — Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The sheer scale and complexity mean that truly comprehensive interpretability is still a distant goal.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of comprehensive

Browse Nearby Words

explicatory
explicit
explicitness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicit. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on explicit

Nglish: Translation of explicit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explicit

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