The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word EXPRESS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
X
P
R
E
S
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "articulate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case articulate = express.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EXPRESS mean?
EXPRESS noun- A mode of transportation, often a train, that travels quickly or directly.
- A service that allows mail or money to be sent rapidly from one destination to another.
- An express rifle.
- A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration.
- A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier.
- An express office.
- That which is sent by an express messenger or message.
- Moving or operating quickly, as a train not making local stops.
- Specific or precise; directly and distinctly stated; not merely implied.
- Truly depicted; exactly resembling.
- (retail) Providing a more limited but presumably faster service than a full or complete dealer of the same kind or type.
- The action of conveying some idea using words or actions; communication, expression.
- A specific statement or instruction.
- To convey or communicate; to make known or explicit.
- To press, squeeze out (especially said of milk).
- To translate messenger RNA into protein.
- To transcribe deoxyribonucleic acid into messenger RNA.