EXPLICIT Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

explicit

adjective

ik-ˈspli-sət

Definition of explicit next

as in specific

so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning explicit instructions about what to do in an emergency

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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

Examples 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 The left-leaning Guardian made an explicit appeal to readers for donations. —

David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Dec. 2024 Instead that profile spends more time on the film’s explicit scenes. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 Nov. 2024 Yes, longtime fans will fill in the gaps, especially given the many explicit connections to Hard-Boiled Wonderland (which also features a dream reader in a mysterious library, albeit with a day job at a data factory). —

Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024 Title cards at the end of the film draw an explicit connection between the actions of Matthews and his gang and the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City — as well as the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021. —

Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for explicit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit

Adjective

Address Specific Pain Points Focus on creating valuable, authentic educational videos that address specific pain points and questions customers face during the research and consideration phases.

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Police also recovered a firearm similar to the one used in the killing, a silencer, and a three-page handwritten manifesto that investigators say sheds light on his motivations, though its specific contents have not been revealed.

Nik Popli, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024