Explicit and Vague

Explicit

Explicit adjective - So clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning.
Usage example: explicit instructions about what to do in an emergency

Vague is an antonym for explicit in topics: clear, frank, specific.

Nearby Word: explicitly

Vague

Vague adjective - Not expressed in precise terms.
Usage example: gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise

Explicit is an antonym for vague in not definite or clear topic.

Nearby Words: vagueness, vaguely

Both words in one sentence

  • Most of the later console games give him a more explicit age, but the handheld games are still vague.
    Source: Vague Age
  • The film is vague as to how much the changes represent the investigator piecing the story together, and how much is the explicit manifestation of the paranormal.
  • Film / The Smurfs Vague Age: Other than Papa, none of the Smurfs are given explicit ages, and their varied behavior lends itself to a whole range of interpretations.
Cite this Source
Vague and Explicit. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/explicit/vague
Explicit & Vague. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/explicit/vague>.
Vague or Explicit. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/explicit/vague.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "explicit" and "vague" have occurred on timeline