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.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

More than one-third of entry-level positions now explicitly require AI-related skills.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Noem has faced questioning before Congress about the alleged relationship, and attacked the reports as “tabloid garbage,” though she stopped short of explicitly denying the allegations while under oath.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

The order stops short of mandating participation and explicitly bars the creation of any new licensing or permitting for AI models.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

We are explicitly prohibited from censoring broadcasters, but this is censorship.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

The amendment established that basic rights of citizenship—including suffrage—would be granted to male former slaves, and by specifying the sex it explicitly denied those rights to women.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

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