Meaning & use

explicit

adjective·Academic

Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

See it in a sentence

The contract gave explicit instructions about exactly when payments were due.

The film carries a warning for its explicit violence and strong language.

A note on using this word

Explicit contrasts with 'implicit,' meaning implied rather than directly stated, and it commonly describes graphic sexual or violent content.

Words with a similar meaning

clearunambiguous

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

implicit

Make it your own

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