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

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

Relevance

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 That includes sharing explicit expectations around AI use, providing timely updates when possible and engaging with feedback — or even pushback — from employees. — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Therefore, the release of the investigation’s findings required the board’s explicit approval. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 Six states – Idaho, Kansas, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Wyoming – are not explicit about drop boxes in statute and have some jurisdictions that use them. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The platform has diversified the content on its platform to include music, cooking and sports, but remains best known for explicit material. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explicit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicit

Adjective

The Vikings will use him on special teams and as a game-plan-specific blitzer.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Lives built around specific products, even at a few thousand followers, are becoming a viable path to affiliate income.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of specific

Adjective

During the school year, Daeun Kim, 17, catches the express bus at least five days a week from Staten Island to the Upper West Side.

— Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Lundy cited similar express trains in cities such as London and Hong Kong as reference points for the possible O’Hare express.

— Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of express

Adjective

Serving a vital manufacturing and export region in China, the Shenzhen facility supports growing cross-border trade, e-commerce shipments and time-definite international express services.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
But there are definite issues with trying to juggle everything at the same time.

— Charles Moss, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

Now, Anthropic acknowledges that its marks are signals, not definitive proof of AI-generation.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Viral sit-to-stand and other mobility tests measure strength, balance, fall risk; helpful clues on how the body is aging but not definitive predictions of lifespan.

— Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

So, lacking any clear, unambiguous guidance on the future of V2X networks, autonomous-car makers—like Waymo, Tesla, Zoox, and Cruise—have leaned more on self-reliance, bulking up each vehicle with as many sensors and GPUs as possible.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026
There's a version of this story where premium format growth is treated as an unambiguous good, a sign that people still love the communal experience of a big screen.

— Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of unambiguous

Adjective

The town is now essentially a real-world study for scientists, after comprehensive data was gathered over a year back in 2007.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Problems with standardized assessments The most comprehensive measure of adult literacy levels is the Survey of Adult Skills, which is part of a larger international assessment known as the PIAAC.

— Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Cite this Entry

Style

“Explicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicit. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of explicit

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

An Explication on the Use of 'Explicit'...

A Brief History of 'Complicit'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on explicit

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of explicit

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to explicit

An Explication on the Use of 'Explicit'...

A Brief History of 'Complicit'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on explicit

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes