Definition and Pronunciation
Sexually explicit (pronounced: /ˈsɛkʃuəli ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/) is an adjective phrase used to describe material, language, or behavior that clearly and openly shows or describes sexual activity, nudity, or erotic content.
Easy Explanation
If something is “sexually explicit,” it shows or describes sex very clearly, without hiding or suggesting indirectly. For example, pornographic movies, graphic sexual descriptions, or explicit sex scenes in books are called sexually explicit.
Grammatical Formation
- Adverb + adjective: sexually (adverb) + explicit (adjective).
- Related forms: sexual explicitness (noun), sexually explicitly (adverb – rare).
Word Comparisons
- Sexually explicit vs. sexually suggestive: “explicit” means very clear and direct; “suggestive” hints at sex without showing it directly.
- Sexually explicit vs. pornographic: both overlap, but “pornographic” usually means created for sexual arousal; “explicit” is broader and can appear in art, education, or media.
- Sexually explicit vs. obscene: “obscene” implies offensive or indecent; “explicit” is descriptive, not always negative.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Explicit in: The book is sexually explicit in its descriptions.
- Explicit about: The movie was sexually explicit about the characters’ desires.
- Explicit for: The video was too sexually explicit for children.
Real-Life Examples
- The film was banned for being sexually explicit.
- This website contains sexually explicit material intended for adults.
- The novel included sexually explicit passages that shocked some readers.
- His sexually explicit jokes made people uncomfortable.
Synonyms
pornographic, graphic, erotic, indecent, obscene, lewd, risqué, adult, X-rated
Antonyms
innocent, modest, decent, chaste, clean, wholesome, nonsexual
Related Terms
- NSFW (Not Safe for Work) – internet label for explicit content.
- Erotic – sexually arousing, often artistic.
- Obscene – offensive sexual content.
- Sexually suggestive – implies sex indirectly.
Common Collocations
- sexually explicit content
- sexually explicit material
- sexually explicit scene
- sexually explicit lyrics
- sexually explicit jokes
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Rated X / 18+: classification for sexually explicit material.
- Graphic detail: often used when something is sexually explicit or violent.
Sample Sentences
- He was fired for sharing sexually explicit images at work.
- The artist defended his sexually explicit paintings as freedom of expression.
- The new law restricts access to sexually explicit websites.
- The book’s sexually explicit nature made it controversial.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, the phrase is directly tied to sexuality. It is most often used to describe pornographic, erotic, or adult material. In legal, cultural, and media discussions, “sexually explicit” is a neutral term used to classify and regulate content that depicts sexual activity openly.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.