explicitly

American  

[ik-splis-it-lee] / ɪkˈsplɪs ɪt li /

adverb

1. 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.

2. in a way that is direct or precise; specifically.

   Women and underrepresented minorities are explicitly invited to apply.

3. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• overexplicitly
  adverb
• quasi-explicitly
  adverb
• superexplicitly
  adverb
• unexplicitly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of explicitly

explicit ( def. ) + -ly

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."

Example Sentences

The agreement only explicitly suspends Iranian tolls for the 60 days, and calls for Iran and Oman to “conduct dialogue” about strait management alongside other Gulf states and “in line with applicable international law.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026

The Constitution explicitly states that the right can be suspended only through an act of Congress and only “when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.”

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2026

That order explicitly said that nothing in it should be construed as creating a mandatory licensing regime.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

In a statement to AFP, a Polymarket spokesman said company guidelines "explicitly prohibit affiliates from providing misleading or false information and we will continue to monitor and ensure compliance with our paid contributors."

From Barron's • Jun. 13, 2026

I felt explicitly that secret living I’d known throughout my life, but now for the first time it took the form of a bizarre sanction being with Pete and even Wen.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• absolutely
• altogether
• carefully
• completely
• correctly
• definitely
• indeed
• literally
• precisely
• quite
• specifically
• strictly
• totally
• truly