express 1 of 3

verb

ik-ˈspres How to pronounce express (audio)
Definition of expressnext
1
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) in a true democracy, a person can freely express his or her views

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2
as in to squeeze
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of except as a fun event at festivals, nowadays people do not make wine by expressing grapes with their feet

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3
as in to signify
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind an upraised thumb is now universally recognized as a gesture expressing approval or encouragement

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4
as in to say
to convey in appropriate or telling terms could you express your opinion of the book in words a little more precise than "lousy"?

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5
as in to embody
to represent in visible form towering spires express in glass and steel the optimism of the age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

express

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning students are not allowed to leave the grounds during school hours unless they have express permission from the principal's office

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

express

3 of 3

noun

British
as in messenger
one that carries a message or does an errand the solicitors employ an express to deliver their summonses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word express distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of express are air, broach, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When is air a more appropriate choice than express?

In some situations, the words air and express are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

When would broach be a good substitute for express?

The meanings of broach and express largely overlap; however, broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

In what contexts can utter take the place of express?

While in some cases nearly identical to express, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When can vent be used instead of express?

The words vent and express can be used in similar contexts, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

Where would voice be a reasonable alternative to express?

The synonyms voice and express are sometimes interchangeable, but voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of express
Verb
Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. — Made By History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 Still, the Harmons expressed some frustration with being pigeonholed as a Christian movie studio. —Calum Marsh, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Some coupons sometimes unlock free express shipping for a lower, or no minimum purchase. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2025 The Tax Court relied heavily on the express allocation in the settlement agreement, and was inclined to agree with the taxpayer that these were sale proceeds and capital gain. —Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
The allowance for credit losses increased to $34.8 million, representing 1.15% of gross loans, reflecting higher charge-offs in the business express loan portfolio. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2025 How many forms of late-capitalist disaffection can one Magic Wand express? —Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for express
Recent Examples of Synonyms for express
  1. voice
  2. squeeze
  3. signify
  4. say
  5. embody
  6. specific
  7. explicit
  8. messenger
Verb
  • That #4 servant automaton is Kelex, Superman's main assistant from comic books, here voiced by Alan Tudyk.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Illinois residents who want to separate from Illinois share some of the complaints voiced by Mainers in the 19th century.
    — Made by History, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of voice
Verb
  • Carving her own musical lane in an industry so determined to squeeze her into a box has been a challenge, but PinkPantheress isn’t one to let outside voices get to her.
    — Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The New York Times: In pressing forward with its assault on Gaza, Israel hopes to squeeze Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • The certification signifies that a company meets high social and environmental performance standards, public transparency, and legal accountability.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This level signifies that a magmatic eruption is underway and could escalate into more powerful explosions.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of signify
Verb
  • The once-daily version of the pill was in early-stage testing, with researchers trying to figure out the best dose for patients, a spokeswoman said.
    — Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Five others -- including Groff's partner, James Santoro -- died in the crash, the family said.
    — Megan Forrester, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of say
Verb
  • No visit to Seoul is complete without diving into its culinary culture, and nothing embodies Korean cuisine more than kimchi.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Biden was forced to embody his party's failures, but received no credit for his policy successes.
    — Justin Peck / Made by History, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of embody
Adjective
  • The models are also trained to follow instructions more literally, which requires careful and specific prompting but allows for greater control over the output.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hilbert mentioned some specific subgoals, however, and researchers have since refined his vision into concrete steps toward its solution.
    — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Their strong sense of preparedness and diligence often brings greater discipline to board discussions, prompting more thoughtful questions and more explicit expectations.
    — Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Without supervision or regulation, kids can easily stumble upon explicit material, including violent and extremist content, that can lead to mental distress, desensitization and a warped perception of the world around them.
    — Richard Wistocki, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of explicit
Noun
  • After weeks of the Mercury retrograde mayhem — miscommunications, misunderstandings and technical glitches — the messenger planet stations direct on April 7.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Adam Green, co-founder, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, an influential progressive group, said the venue and messenger doesn't matter as much as having a forceful and consistent governing theme.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of messenger

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expounds
express
expressed
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Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/express. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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