explicitly

adverb

ex·​plic·​it·​ly ik-ˈspli-sət-lē How to pronounce explicitly (audio)
: in an explicit manner : clearly and without any vagueness or ambiguity
We were explicitly warned about what could happen.
The map shows explicitly where the fire alarms are located.
… did not know about the ferrying of weapons to the rebels, an activity explicitly forbidden by Congress.—Neil A. Lewis

Examples of explicitly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The perfecting statement and requested cure The notice must explicitly state that it is served to fulfill the procedural prerequisite for pursuing the statutory civil remedy. — Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Unlike most democracies, many American chief election officials are chosen through explicitly partisan processes, including partisan elections and political appointments. — Thom Reilly, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 The Macron proposal represents a major evolution in French thinking by explicitly extending France’s vital interests to include the security of its European partners. — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 Which committee owns the risk when an autonomous agent makes a decision nobody explicitly approved? — Tj Marlin, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explicitly

Word History

Etymology

explicit + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of explicitly was circa 1657

Rhymes for explicitly

See All Rhymes for explicitly

Browse Nearby Words

explicit function
explicitly
explicitness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicitly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explicitly. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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