expressly

adverb

ex·​press·​ly ik-ˈspres-lē How to pronounce expressly (audio)
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.
The result was that the Latin Mass was relegated to a very limited number of churches, with it often only being offered by priests belonging to specific orders expressly devoted to it. Peter Pinedo, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Jane Lyons, assistant U.S. attorney, argued that the White House was in full compliance, and that the new policy expressly says that an outlets’s viewpoint was no longer a factor in eligibility. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025 Indeed, going to the movies expressly to go buck wild should have a valid place in the spectrum of theater-going experiences. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025 In creating the current statutory scheme, Congress made clear that the STB’s jurisdiction over rail transportation and the remedies provided under the law is exclusive, expressly preempting other remedies under federal or state law. Glenn G. Lammi, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expressly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressly. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on expressly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!