expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē How to pronounce expressly (audio)
Synonyms of expresslynext
1
: in an express manner : explicitly
expressly rejected the proposal
2
: for the express purpose : particularly, specifically
made expressly for me

Examples of expressly 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.
But the court did not expressly weigh in on the legality of the August primary, leaving the status of the election unclear. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 That’s even after his Steve Jobs biopic from 2015, scripted by Aaron Sorkin, felt expressly stage-bound and like the walls were closing in. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 Federal guidance for public schools expressly recognizes that a teacher may excuse a student from class to relieve a significant burden on religious exercise, giving Muslim students who need to pray during Ramadan as one example. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 As those critics noted, the Constitution doesn’t expressly authorize the Court to overturn acts of Congress. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expressly was in the 14th century

Rhymes for expressly

See All Rhymes for expressly

Browse Nearby Words

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Express Mail
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Cite this Entry

“Expressly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressly. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expressly

adverb
ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē How to pronounce expressly (audio)
1
: so as to be absolutely clear : explicitly
was expressly forbidden to smoke
2
: for the express purpose : especially
came expressly to congratulate her

Legal Definition

expressly

adverb
ex·​press·​ly
: in an express manner : in definite and distinct terms
acceptance is expressly conditional

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