explicit
adjective
ex·plic·it
ik-ˈspli-sət 
1
a
: fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity : leaving no question as to meaning or intent
explicit instructions
compare implicit sense 1a
b
: open in the depiction of nudity or sexuality
explicit books and films
2
: fully developed or formulated
an explicit plan
an explicit notion of our objective
3
: unambiguous in expression
was very explicit on how we are to behave
4
of a mathematical function
: defined by an expression containing only independent variables compare implicit sense 3b
explicitness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of explicit in a Sentence
From closer restrictions on sexually explicit writing came the success, in the mid-19th century, of the novelist George Thompson, who combined graphically violent scenes set in urban dystopias with coy peekaboo references to sex.
—
Susan Dominus, New York Times Book Review, 5 Apr. 2009
Therefore, the Administration's policy was the explicit, if unpublicized, one that it was necessary to allow Saddam Hussein to put down the rebellions.
—Elizabeth Drew, New Yorker, 6 May 1991
They were given explicit instructions.
Changes to the property can't be done without their explicit consent.
The law is very explicit about how these measures should be enacted.
a song with explicit lyrics
The movie contains scenes of explicit violence.
Susan Dominus, New York Times Book Review, 5 Apr. 2009
Therefore, the Administration's policy was the explicit, if unpublicized, one that it was necessary to allow Saddam Hussein to put down the rebellions.
—Elizabeth Drew, New Yorker, 6 May 1991
They were given explicit instructions.
Changes to the property can't be done without their explicit consent.
The law is very explicit about how these measures should be enacted.
a song with explicit lyrics
The movie contains scenes of explicit violence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Wiley has long been explicit about the erotic aspects of his work and the often fine line that separates admiration and exploitation.
—Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
The reason is clear: most Americans understand that Israel is fighting for its very survival against terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, whose explicit mission is to annihilate Israel.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
And while the Fund 4 Good is not an explicit part of the concert film, Rodrigo’s work uplifting young women, onstage and off, is demonstrated throughout its run time.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024
Two brain circuits, studies suggest, underlie fear: a conscious, cognitive system that stores explicit knowledge and beliefs about fears and an unconscious system that activates automatic, physiological responses and that operates much more rapidly.
—Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explicit 
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Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
The reason is clear: most Americans understand that Israel is fighting for its very survival against terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, whose explicit mission is to annihilate Israel.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
And while the Fund 4 Good is not an explicit part of the concert film, Rodrigo’s work uplifting young women, onstage and off, is demonstrated throughout its run time.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024
Two brain circuits, studies suggest, underlie fear: a conscious, cognitive system that stores explicit knowledge and beliefs about fears and an unconscious system that activates automatic, physiological responses and that operates much more rapidly.
—Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explicit
Dictionary Entries Near explicit
Cite this Entry
“Explicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explicit. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explicit
adjective
ex·plic·it
ik-ˈsplis-ət
: so clear in statement that there is no doubt about the meaning
explicit instructions
explicitly
adverb
explicitness
noun
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