explicitly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is clearly expressed, demonstrated, or formulated.
There are a couple of important points that I wish had been made more clearly and explicitly.
We should also explicitly advocate for ourselves when it comes to promotions or raises.
-
in a way that is direct or precise; specifically.
Women and underrepresented minorities are explicitly invited to apply.
-
in a graphic or detailed way; not leaving anything to the imagination.
The art to be displayed cannot include explicitly sexual scenes, nudity, or salacious or revealing imagery.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of explicitly
Explanation
When you explain something explicitly, you do it in great detail, leaving no room for misunderstanding. You could intimidate your little brother by explicitly describing what you'll do if he reads your diary. Something that's said or done explicitly is clear and direct, like an explicitly told story about terrible poverty in India — it leaves out no disturbing details, even if it upsets the listener. Explicitly can also refer to sexual situations or details, like a movie whose sex scenes are shown explicitly, or graphically. The Latin root is explicare, "unfold, unravel, explain."
Vocabulary lists containing explicitly
Vocabulary of the Common Core
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"Sorry, Wrong Number" by Lucille Fletcher
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We Were Liars
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You told me explicitly that you wanted to assign that story to me,’” Couric said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026
She chose not to explicitly endorse Burnham, but is not thought to be preparing a leadership bid herself.
From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026
"I explicitly do not share this choice of words, and we will also have to talk about it," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said ahead of the meeting.
From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026
Warsh, in his first press conference as Fed chair, explicitly reiterated his support for the official 2% inflation target — for now, anyway.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026
Pizarro explicitly modeled his ambush of Atahuallpa on the successful strategy of Cortes.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
