How to Pronounce Explicit

To pronounce "explicit", say EXPL-ic-it — 3 syllables, IPA /ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

explicit

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “explicit”

"explicit" has 3 syllables: expl-ic-it. It rhymes with elicit and implicit, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: explicite — easy to mix up when writing.

What does explicit mean?

adjective

Very specific, clear, or detailed.
“I gave explicit instructions for him to stay here, but he followed me, anyway.”
Containing material (e.g. language or film footage) that might be deemed offensive or graphic.
“The film had several scenes including explicit language and sex.”

Synonyms

raunchy express manifest overt

Antonyms

circumspect implicit unexplicit vague

Hear “explicit” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with explicit

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elicit implicit solicit illicit complicit bisset bissett blissett explicite grissett

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "explicit"?▾

"Explicit" has 3 syllables: expl · ic · it.

What is the IPA transcription of "explicit"?▾

The IPA transcription of "explicit" is /ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/.

What does "explicit" mean?▾

Explicit: Very specific, clear, or detailed.

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