explicit
14 synonyms and 8 antonyms for explicit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Stated clearly and in detail, leaving nothing implied.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use explicit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
explicit instructions
explicit content
sexually explicit
Etymology
From Latin explicitus, "unfolded, disentangled," related to explicare ("to unfold").
Full origin of explicit →Frequently asked questions
What does “explicit” mean?
The word “explicit” means stated clearly and in detail, leaving nothing implied. In plain terms, clearly and directly stated, with no ambiguity — or, in media, graphically frank.
How do you pronounce “explicit”?
“Explicit” is pronounced ihk-SPLIHS-iht (/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “explicit” in a sentence?
Here is “explicit” used in a sentence: “She gave explicit instructions on how to assemble the furniture.”
What is another word for “explicit”?
Words with a similar meaning to “explicit” include clear, direct, express, monosemic, monosemous and patent.
What is the opposite of “explicit”?
The opposite of “explicit” — its antonyms — are ambiguous, equivocal, implicit, implied and polysemous.
What part of speech is “explicit”?
“Explicit” is an adjective.
Where does the word “explicit” come from?
The word “explicit” comes from Latin. From Latin explicitus, "unfolded, disentangled," related to explicare ("to unfold").
Is “explicit” a common word?
“Explicit” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between explicit and implicit?
Explicit and implicit are opposites. Explicit means stated clearly and in detail with nothing left unsaid, while implicit means suggested or understood without being directly stated.
What is the difference between explicit and clear?
The two overlap but differ in emphasis. Explicit stresses that everything is spelled out directly with nothing implied, while clear stresses being easy to understand; something can be clear in general terms yet not fully explicit about the details.
