EXPRESS Synonyms: 230 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

express 1 of 3

verb

ik-ˈspres

Definition of express

as in to voice

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) in a true democracy, a person can freely express his or her views

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to signify

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind an upraised thumb is now universally recognized as a gesture expressing approval or encouragement

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to say

to convey in appropriate or telling terms could you express your opinion of the book in words a little more precise than "lousy"?

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as in to embody

to represent in visible form towering spires express in glass and steel the optimism of the age

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express

2 of 3

adjective

as in specific

of a particular or exact sort a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in explicit

so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning students are not allowed to leave the grounds during school hours unless they have express permission from the principal's office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

express

3 of 3

noun

British

as in messenger

one that carries a message or does an errand the solicitors employ an express to deliver their summonses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

At the same time, Cubs officials have repeatedly expressed caution, emphasizing Steele’s long layoff and the short amount of time left on the baseball calendar. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 If your favorite book genre is children’s books, your home is your happy place—an ever-changing space to express your creativity and push design boundaries. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026

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 And indeed, Congress has barred NATO withdrawal without express congressional approval. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for express

Recent Examples of Synonyms for express

Verb

Cullen received a lifetime achievement award at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards in 2023 and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for voicing Optimus Prime in 2011.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
The stature of the performances from Claymore, July and Fuller bring weight to these moments over a character, generally Sarah, voicing the thesis to us again.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of voice

Verb

These portable, lightweight bands squeeze easily into a suitcase and can be used to add resistance to body weight exercises.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Job seekers in South Florida are navigating a tricky mix of stubborn inflation, high interest rates and an AI shift that’s squeezing entry-level hiring.

— Jessica Lipscomb, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of squeeze

Verb

The decision also signified the end of Adam’s time on the Northwestern.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026
This theory gained more popularity after Swift was spotted out in London last month, debuting a fresh haircut which has historically signified a new era in the Taylor Swift Cinematic Universe.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of signify

Verb

Other areas of concern are the library system's self-check-out kiosks, instances in which minor teenagers handle materials while working or volunteering at a branch, and platforms for loaning electronic materials, Adams said.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
If the show is now being repositioned as just for people who are fresh out of design school or who have made just one or two gowns before (like, cough, our beloved Jude), then say that.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of say

Adjective

The movie boasts entirely original characters, Lovecraftian vibes, a young Brad Pitt, and explicit horniness.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
That can mean funding small pilot programs, giving teams explicit room to experiment within reasonable guardrails, or simply promoting the people already finding smarter ways to work before anyone told them to.

— Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of explicit

Noun

Despite recent scrutiny over his past associations and his history as Microsoft's CEO, Gates positions himself as a uniquely qualified messenger due to his tech background and philanthropic focus.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Researchers who are sincere, relatable and genuinely care are effective messengers for communicating uncertain or evolving information.

— Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of messenger

Cite this Entry

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

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Synonyms of express

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