express
1 of 4verb
ik-ˈspres 
expressed; expressing; expresses
transitive verb
1
a
: to represent in words : state
b
: to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself)
c
: to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself)
d
: to give or convey a true impression of : show, reflect
e
: to represent by a sign or symbol : symbolize
f
: delineate, depict
2
: to send by express
3
a
: to force out (something, such as the juice of a fruit) by pressure
b
: to subject to pressure so as to extract something
4
: to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype
also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process
expresser noun
expressible
ik-ˈspre-sə-bəl
adjective express
2 of 4adjective
ex·press
1
a
: directly, firmly, and explicitly stated
my express orders
b
: exact, precise
2
a
: of a particular sort : specific
for that express purpose
b
: designed for or adapted to its purpose
3
a
: traveling at high speed
specifically : traveling with few or no stops along the way
express train
b
: designed or intended to be used for fast movement or travel
an express highway with few local exits
the express lane at the supermarket
c(1)
: delivered faster than usual
an express shipment
(2)
British : designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger
express
3 of 4noun
1
a(1)
: a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges
(2)
: a company operating such a merchandise freight service
b
British : a messenger sent on a special errand
c
British : a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger
d
British : special delivery
2
: an express vehicle
express
4 of 4adverb
1
: by express
delivered express
2
obsolete : expressly
Synonyms
Verb
- air
- expound
- give
- look
- raise
- sound
- state
- vent
- ventilate
- voice
Adjective
- concrete
- distinct
- especial
- peculiar
- precise
- set
- special
- specific
Noun
- courier
- go-between
- messenger
- page
- runner
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb He expressed an interest in meeting her. She expressed surprise at his rude behavior. The results can be expressed as a percentage. The length, expressed in centimeters, is 29. They expressed the package to us. Adjective the express lane at the grocery store a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk Noun He sent the package to us by express. He takes the express to work. Adverb They sent the package express. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony Salvanto, Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2022 Gesture and movement express the passion and fury beneath the play’s words. Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2022 The monarch can express empathy with people struggling to heat their homes, but the prime minister can provide money and programs. Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2022 Trudeau, others express shock, condolences Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed condolences to those affected by the attacks. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2022 The Park City Song Summit is above all, a way for artists to express themselves as human beings. Will Schube, SPIN, 29 Aug. 2022 She's also found a way to express her individuality through her style. Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 22 Aug. 2022 My favorite way to express this kind of revelation about AI Ethics is to liken the matter to earthquakes. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 In other words, the typical Gen Zer thinks of beauty as a way to express themselves, not as a way to attract others. Alena Botros, Fortune, 24 July 2022 BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022 In most cases, well-meaning app developers and services are capturing data for the express purpose of making services better for the end consumer. Lou Hong, Forbes, 9 Aug. 2022 Last year, hoping to ease access to credit, Congress allocated $10 billion to be funneled through lenders with the express purpose of reaching underserved entrepreneurs; the money is still trickling out. New York Times, 26 July 2022 Lupino founded the company (with her then husband, Collier Young) with the express purpose of addressing social questions. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 July 2022 BlueTwelve, which was formed a little over five years ago with the express purpose of creating this game, hasn't yet thought about what its next project might be. Rachel Metz, CNN, 22 July 2022 In 2021, that same compound was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the name Wegovy for the express purpose of weight loss. Alexandra Ossola, Quartz, 19 June 2022 In 1907, two concrete basins were installed in the northeast corner of the park for the express purpose of providing drinking water to the squirrels. Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2022 Both groups deployed the same exploit kit on websites that either belonged to legitimate organizations and were hacked or were set up for the express purpose of serving attack code on unsuspecting visitors. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2022 Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2022 Delays were expected to be 10 to 15 minutes, with express trains that run at higher speeds the most affected, according to the Maryland Transit Administration. Ryan Bacic, Washington Post, 21 July 2022 For example, the cost of flat rate boxes and envelopes sent using priority mail or priority mail express would rise by 95 cents, according to the pricing plan. Hamza Shaban, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2022 For example, the cost of flat rate boxes and envelopes sent using priority mail or priority mail express would rise by 95 cents, according to the pricing plan. Hamza Shaban, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Aug. 2022 Universal Orlando has started selling tickets, multi-night admission and express passes for the 2022 edition of Halloween Horror Nights, which kicks off at Universal Studios on Sept. 2. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2022 Jungle Jim’s also offers daytime, couples, express, beer and food, wine and food, wine tasting and virtual classes. Charles Infosino, The Enquirer, 23 July 2022 The carnival, which includes a small Ferris wheel, car rides for little kids, music express and a wacky shack, runs every night. Alixel Cabrera, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 June 2022 The train was operating express until Fairview Avenue station in Downers Grove, which was going to be its first stop to pick up passengers. Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2022 Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 5 Feb. 2018 EXPRESS-BUS SOLUTION Why the Metro Gold Line is not the solution to traffic congestion in St. Paul:Congestion is primarily during rush hour and thus the solution must address commuters during typical business hours. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 15 June 2017 See More
Verb
Democrats express more satisfaction about nominating Fetterman than Republicans do about nominating Oz. Anthony Salvanto, Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2022 Gesture and movement express the passion and fury beneath the play’s words. Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2022 The monarch can express empathy with people struggling to heat their homes, but the prime minister can provide money and programs. Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2022 Trudeau, others express shock, condolences Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed condolences to those affected by the attacks. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2022 The Park City Song Summit is above all, a way for artists to express themselves as human beings. Will Schube, SPIN, 29 Aug. 2022 She's also found a way to express her individuality through her style. Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 22 Aug. 2022 My favorite way to express this kind of revelation about AI Ethics is to liken the matter to earthquakes. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 In other words, the typical Gen Zer thinks of beauty as a way to express themselves, not as a way to attract others. Alena Botros, Fortune, 24 July 2022 Adjective
Some state lawmakers urged Reeves on Monday to call a special session of the Legislature with the express purpose of shoring up Jackson’s water system. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022 In most cases, well-meaning app developers and services are capturing data for the express purpose of making services better for the end consumer. Lou Hong, Forbes, 9 Aug. 2022 Last year, hoping to ease access to credit, Congress allocated $10 billion to be funneled through lenders with the express purpose of reaching underserved entrepreneurs; the money is still trickling out. New York Times, 26 July 2022 Lupino founded the company (with her then husband, Collier Young) with the express purpose of addressing social questions. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 July 2022 BlueTwelve, which was formed a little over five years ago with the express purpose of creating this game, hasn't yet thought about what its next project might be. Rachel Metz, CNN, 22 July 2022 In 2021, that same compound was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the name Wegovy for the express purpose of weight loss. Alexandra Ossola, Quartz, 19 June 2022 In 1907, two concrete basins were installed in the northeast corner of the park for the express purpose of providing drinking water to the squirrels. Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2022 Both groups deployed the same exploit kit on websites that either belonged to legitimate organizations and were hacked or were set up for the express purpose of serving attack code on unsuspecting visitors. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2022 Noun
This farm offers a large and kiddie corn maze, two corn cribs, two jumping pillows, hayrides, trike tracks, cow train express, animal barn, concessions, gift shop and more. Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2022 Delays were expected to be 10 to 15 minutes, with express trains that run at higher speeds the most affected, according to the Maryland Transit Administration. Ryan Bacic, Washington Post, 21 July 2022 For example, the cost of flat rate boxes and envelopes sent using priority mail or priority mail express would rise by 95 cents, according to the pricing plan. Hamza Shaban, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2022 For example, the cost of flat rate boxes and envelopes sent using priority mail or priority mail express would rise by 95 cents, according to the pricing plan. Hamza Shaban, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Aug. 2022 Universal Orlando has started selling tickets, multi-night admission and express passes for the 2022 edition of Halloween Horror Nights, which kicks off at Universal Studios on Sept. 2. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2022 Jungle Jim’s also offers daytime, couples, express, beer and food, wine and food, wine tasting and virtual classes. Charles Infosino, The Enquirer, 23 July 2022 The carnival, which includes a small Ferris wheel, car rides for little kids, music express and a wacky shack, runs every night. Alixel Cabrera, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 June 2022 The train was operating express until Fairview Avenue station in Downers Grove, which was going to be its first stop to pick up passengers. Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2022 Adverb
All express pleasant shock at their changed Sundays. Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 5 Feb. 2018 EXPRESS-BUS SOLUTION Why the Metro Gold Line is not the solution to traffic congestion in St. Paul:Congestion is primarily during rush hour and thus the solution must address commuters during typical business hours. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 15 June 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French espresser, from expres, adjective
Adjective
Middle English, from Anglo-French expres, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere to press out, express, from ex- + premere to press — more at press
First Known Use
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1f
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1b
Adverb
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Phrases Containing express
Kids Definition
express 1 of 3
verb
ex·press ik-ˈspres
expressed; expressing
1
: to make known especially in words
I expressed my surprise.
2
: to represent by a sign or symbol
The amount was expressed as a percentage.
3
: to send by a quick method of delivery
express
2 of 3adjective
1
: clearly stated
an express order
2
: of a certain sort
I came for an express purpose.
3
: sent or traveling at high speed
express mail
express
3 of 3noun
1
: a system for the quick transportation of goods
Send your package by express.
2
: a vehicle (as a train or elevator) run at special speed with few or no stops
Medical Definition
express
transitive verb
ex·press ik-ˈspres, ek-
1
: to make known or exhibit by an expression
2
a
: to force out by pressure
express breast milk manually or by electric pump
b
: to subject to pressure so as to extract something
some pumps express one breast at a time Paula Lynn Parks
Paula Lynn Parks3
: to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype
a gene selectively expressed in lung tumors
also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process
individuals with the gene express symptoms of the disease
differentially expressed proteins
Legal Definition
express 1 of 2
adjective
ex·press
: directly and distinctly stated or expressed rather than implied or left to inference compare implied
express
2 of 2transitive verb
: to make known (one's thoughts, ideas, or opinions) by words, conduct, or symbols see also expression
express 1 of 3
verb
1
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) in a true democracy, a person can freely express his or her views Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- voice
- state
- give
- convey
- announce
- write
- air
- expound
- describe
- look
- vent
- say
- ventilate
- raise
- proclaim
- sound
- put forth
- declare
- publish
- disseminate
- offer
- submit
- circulate
- advertise
- give air to
- communicate
- enunciate
- broadcast
- write up
- speak out
- enounce
- speak up
- sound off
- put over
- put across
- chime in
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- suppress
- restrict
- restrain
- stifle
- censor
2
as in to squeeze
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of except as a fun event at festivals, nowadays people do not make wine by expressing grapes with their feet Synonyms & Similar Words
- squeeze
- crush
- press
- mash
- extract
- ream
- extrude
- pulp
- puree
- purée
3
as in to signify
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind an upraised thumb is now universally recognized as a gesture expressing approval or encouragement Synonyms & Similar Words
- signify
- imply
- mean
- denote
- indicate
- intend
- import
- spell
- explain
- symbolize
- infer
- represent
- suggest
- connote
- hint
- embody
- personify
- symbol
- proclaim
- specify
- intimate
- announce
- elucidate
- mention
- cite
- signal
- insinuate
- epitomize
- designate
- declare
- instance
- touch (on or upon)
- allude (to)
- add up (to)
- advert
- point (to)
- amount (to)
- refer (to)
4
as in to say
to convey in appropriate or telling terms could you express your opinion of the book in words a little more precise than "lousy"? Synonyms & Similar Words
- say
- articulate
- word
- state
- phrase
- formulate
- put
- describe
- translate
- clothe
- imply
- speak
- summarize
- hint
- couch
- craft
- communicate
- disclose
- intimate
- tell
- suggest
- verbalize
- utter
- paraphrase
- restate
- rephrase
- vocalize
- insinuate
- render
- frame
- talk
- reword
- write up
5
as in to embody
to represent in visible form towering spires express in glass and steel the optimism of the age Synonyms & Similar Words
- embody
- incorporate
- manifest
- symbolize
- exemplify
- illustrate
- personalize
- body
- personify
- realize
- externalize
- epitomize
- incarnate
- instantiate
- substantiate
- actualize
- materialize
- concretize
- typify
- objectify
- image
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disembody
express
2 of 3adjective
1
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk Synonyms & Similar Words
- specific
- special
- set
- precise
- distinct
- sole
- only
- concrete
- given
- especial
- limited
- restricted
- specialized
- peculiar
- separate
- distinctive
- individual
- single
- specified
- unique
- exclusive
- differentiated
- solitary
- lone
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- general
- generalized
- nonspecific
- universal
- generic
- nonexclusive
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning students are not allowed to leave the grounds during school hours unless they have express permission from the principal's office Synonyms & Similar Words
- explicit
- definite
- specific
- unambiguous
- definitive
- unequivocal
- unmistakable
- complete
- full
- stated
- literal
- clear
- specified
- comprehensive
- univocal
- direct
- avowed
- precise
- declared
- clear-cut
- simple
- comprehensible
- distinct
- certain
- understandable
- categorical
- exact
- intelligible
- sure
- plain
- categoric
- straightforward
- exhaustive
- lucid
- well-defined
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- implied
- implicit
- inferred
- unclear
- obscure
- ambiguous
- dark
- cryptic
- incorrect
- enigmatic
- vague
- inaccurate
- circuitous
- indefinite
- imprecise
- enigmatical
- equivocal
- inexact
- incomprehensible
- unintelligible
- inexplicit
- unspecific
express
3 of 3noun
as in messenger
one that carries a message or does an errand the solicitors employ an express to deliver their summonses Synonyms & Similar Words
- messenger
- courier
- page
- runner
- delegate
- representative
- ambassador
- bearer
- mail carrier
- letter carrier
- herald
- harbinger
- go-between
- agent
- forerunner
- carrier
- envoy
- emissary
- deliveryman
- deputy
- mailman
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of express are air, broach, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.
expressed her feelings in music
In some situations, the words air and express are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.
publicly airing their differences
The meanings of broach and express largely overlap; however, broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.
broached the subject of a divorce
While in some cases nearly identical to express, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.
utter a groan
The words vent and express can be used in similar contexts, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.
a tirade venting his frustration
The synonyms voice and express are sometimes interchangeable, but voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.
an editorial voicing their concerns
- supercontract
- supercontraction
- superconvenient
- supercool
- supercooled
- supercooling
- supercools
- supercop
- supercops
- supercorporation
- supercorporations
- supercrescence
- supercrescent
- supercriminal
- supercriminals
- supercritical
- supercross
- supercrust
- supercurrent
- supercurrents
- supercute
- superdainty
- superdelegate
- superdelegates
- superdeluxe