expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē 

1

: in an express manner : explicitly

expressly rejected the proposal

2

: for the express purpose : particularly, specifically

made expressly for me

Examples of expressly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The school district’s policy does not require staff to inform parents about the changes but does not expressly forbid them from doing so. —Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024

There is one downside worth noting: Viking doesn’t have staterooms expressly for solo travelers. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Some state parks allow hunting, but national wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2024

While this was not an expressly abolitionist paper, the editor, David Ammen, was a friend and neighbor who shared many of Rankin’s anti-slavery views and who was eager to share Rankin’s arguments with his readers. —TIME, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē 

1

: so as to be absolutely clear : explicitly

was expressly forbidden to smoke

2

: for the express purpose : especially

came expressly to congratulate her

Legal Definition

expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly

: in an express manner : in definite and distinct terms

acceptance is expressly conditional