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Synonyms

express

American  
[ik-spres] / ɪkˈsprɛs /

verb (used with object)

  1. to put (thought) into words; utter or state.

    to express an idea clearly.

    Synonyms:
    formulate, word, declare
  2. to show, manifest, or reveal.

    to express one's anger.

    Synonyms:
    indicate
    Antonyms:
    conceal
  3. to set forth the opinions, feelings, etc., of (oneself ), as in speaking, writing, or painting.

    He can express himself eloquently.

  4. to represent by a symbol, character, figure, or formula.

    to express water as H2O; to express unknown quantities algebraically.

    Synonyms:
    denote, signify, designate
  5. to send by express.

    to express a package or merchandise.

  6. to press or squeeze out.

    to express the juice of grapes.

  7. to exude or emit (a liquid, odor, etc.), as if under pressure.

    The roses expressed a sweet perfume.

  8. Genetics. (of a gene) to be active in the production of (a protein or a phenotype).


adjective

  1. clearly indicated; distinctly stated; definite; explicit; plain.

    He defied my express command.

    Synonyms:
    unambiguous, obvious
  2. special; definite.

    We have an express purpose in being here.

    Synonyms:
    singular, particular
  3. direct or fast, especially making few or no intermediate stops.

    an express train;

    an express elevator.

    Synonyms:
    swift, nonstop, rapid
  4. used for direct or high-speed travel.

    an express highway.

  5. duly or exactly formed or represented.

    an express image.

    Synonyms:
    precise, accurate
  6. pertaining to an express.

    an express agency.

noun

  1. an express train, bus, elevator, etc.

  2. a system or method of sending freight, parcels, money, etc., that is faster and safer, but more expensive, than ordinary freight service.

    We agree to send the package by express.

    Synonyms:
    courier
  3. a company engaged in this business.

  4. British. a messenger or a message specially sent.

  5. something sent by express.

adverb

  1. by express.

    to travel express.

  2. Obsolete. expressly.

express British  
/ ɪkˈsprɛs /

verb

  1. to transform (ideas) into words; utter; verbalize

  2. to show or reveal; indicate

    tears express grief

  3. to communicate (emotion, etc) without words, as through music, painting, etc

  4. to indicate through a symbol, formula, etc

  5. to force or squeeze out

    to express the juice from an orange

  6. to send by rapid transport or special messenger

  7. to communicate one's thoughts or ideas

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated

    an express wish

  2. done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular

    an express purpose

  3. of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc

    express delivery

    an express depot

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

    1. a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc, rapidly

    2. merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system

    3. an enterprise operating such a system

  1. Also called: express train.  a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini

  2. See express rifle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. by means of a special delivery or express delivery

    it went express

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • expresser noun
  • expressible adjective
  • expressless adjective
  • expressor noun
  • overexpress verb (used with object)
  • preexpress verb (used with object)
  • quasi-expressed adjective
  • reexpress verb (used with object)
  • superexpress noun
  • unexpressible adjective
  • well-expressed adjective

Etymology

Origin of express

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English expressen, from Latin expressus “pressed out,” past participle of exprimere “to press out”; ex- 1 ( def. ), press 1 ( def. )

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.

But six games into the 1981-82 season, Johnson expressed his desire to be traded because he was unhappy playing for Westhead.

From Los Angeles Times

Following the interview's release, the UAE's foreign ministry released the statement on behalf of various governments and other actors expressing "strong condemnation and profound concern" regarding the comments.

From BBC

Players from the lower-ranked teams expressed their keenness to perform, not just to cause an upset but also to prove they are deserving of the greater opportunities they so desperately seek.

From BBC

Trot songs often express "han" - a deep-seated feeling of sorrow, resentment and longing shaped by Korea's history of foreign subjugation and one of the most enduring themes in Korean culture.

From BBC

Siebert's office ultimately decided not to bring criminal charges against James after Siebert expressed doubts about the strength of the case.

From BBC