explicitly
In direct terms
Explicitly means in a clear, direct, and unambiguous manner, leaving nothing to interpretation or inference.
When something is stated explicitly, it is spelled out in full rather than implied or hinted at: The contract explicitly forbids subletting.
The word often appears in contexts where clarity matters—legal documents, instructions, or conversations where misunderstanding would be costly.
It can also refer to graphic or detailed depictions of sex or violence: The film is explicitly violent.
Without ambiguity
- plainlyIn obvious fashion
- obviouslyIn an apparent manner
- evidentlyObservably true
- transparentlyIn an obvious manner
overtly · visibly · manifestly · patently · unmistakably · noticeably · conspicuously · perceptibly
Without intermediary steps
- bluntlySpeaking without diplomacy
- candidlyWithout concealment or evasion
- franklyWithout concealment or evasion
- straightforwardlyIn an uncomplicated way
outspokenly · forthrightly · plainly · openly · honestly · unreservedly · point-blank · vocally
In a precise manner
- preciselyIn an exact manner
- exactlyWith total accuracy
- particularlyTo an unusual extent
- concretelyIn a definite manner
definitively · categorically · unequivocally · unambiguously · distinctly · definitely · absolutely · decisively
clearly
Without ambiguity
transparently · overtly · visibly · manifestly · patently · unmistakably · noticeably · conspicuously · perceptibly · discernibly
directly
Without intermediary steps
- bluntlySpeaking without diplomacy
- candidlyWithout concealment or evasion
- franklyWithout concealment or evasion
straightforwardly · outspokenly · forthrightly · plainly · openly · honestly · unreservedly · point-blank · vocally · uprightly
specifically
In a precise manner
- preciselyIn an exact manner
- exactlyWith total accuracy
- particularlyTo an unusual extent
concretely · definitively · categorically · unequivocally · unambiguously · distinctly · definitely · absolutely · decisively · expressly
- clarifiersi.e., e.g., namely, meaning, specifically
- adverbsquickly, slowly, very, really, now
- clarifying languagenamely, specifically, in other words, that is, for example
- formal adverbsaccordingly, consequently, furthermore, hence, hereby
explicitlyimplicitly
Without direct expression
tacitly · indirectly · suggestively · between the lines · obliquely
explicitlyambiguously
With multiple possible meanings
vaguely · unclearly · obscurely · nebulously · equivocally
- explicit contentMedia with mature themes
- explicit languageCrude or vulgar wording
- explicit lyricsProfane song words
- explicit material
- sexually explicitDepicting carnal acts openly
- explicit consentClearly stated agreement