Synonyms

explicitly

American

[ik-splis-it-lee] / ɪkˈsplɪs ɪt li /

adverb

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

overexplicitly adverb
quasi-explicitly adverb
superexplicitly adverb
unexplicitly adverb

Etymology

Origin of explicitly

explicit ( def. ) + -ly

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.

Revised wording no longer explicitly invokes Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows the Security Council to authorize armed force to restore peace.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The Journal is worried about the return of subprime loans, but our proposal explicitly prevents that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Not mentioned in the executive order was lunar competition from China - a factor that Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman has laid out explicitly.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

And, to be honest, had I not explicitly tested my speeds, I probably wouldn’t have noticed the slowdown.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

“Now, listen carefully, for the spell to break this wall requires a powerful will as well as absolute concentration. You must explicitly follow every instruction I give you. Do you understand me, child?”

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023