SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS

explicit

adjective

Stated clearly and directly, leaving little need for interpretation.

Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.

Clearly stated

Closest synonyms

Related words and expressions

These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.

Usage distinction

Explicit information is actually stated; something may be obvious without being explicit.

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Test this word in the Comprehensive Synonym Exam

CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT

See explicit in use

The invitation included explicit instructions about where to enter.
Dictionary practice example.
I thought there were unequivocal, definitive, and explicit assurances that the managerial factions would coalesce.
Adapted from the original study notes.
1 more example
The guide made the tool-return rule explicit: all borrowed tools belonged in the marked cabinet before closing.
From Instructions People Can Follow.

Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.

Synonym reference scope and sources

The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.

How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license

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