Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expound are elucidate, explain, explicate, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

When would elucidate be a good substitute for expound?

The words elucidate and expound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

Where would explain be a reasonable alternative to expound?

While in some cases nearly identical to expound, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When might explicate be a better fit than expound?

The words explicate and expound can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of expound?

Interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of expound Boyle expounds on the duo’s inspirations in the latest episode of Deadline’s Crew Call podcast. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 June 2025 During a new conversation with New York Post Sports' Brandon London, Lewis expounded on the realistic options available to the Nets. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 The documentary expounds on that unbreakable connection between band and fans and how Metallica’s music has been a lifeboat for millions. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Real-life sportswriters, who many no longer read, expounding real-life opinions became a novelty. Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt both have dance backgrounds, and Affleck has long expressed her desire to appear on the ABC show.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 1 July 2025
  • Textile executives sounded particularly cautious in expressing their views.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The director cast the Oscar nominee, who previously voiced Rocket Raccoon in his Guardians of the Galaxy films, as Jor-El, the Man of Steel's biological father from Krypton.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 July 2025
  • The beloved stage and screen actress, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the original film, died in 2022, shortly after the closing of the West End revival on which this tour is based.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Based on this research, the company hypothesized about what the issues are that give people trouble with these terms and concepts, though many such searches also could be conducted to clarify details or derive more information.
    Russ Wiles, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Casas has emphasized that the new agreement is primarily about clarifying responsibilities, not about radically changing the department’s behavior.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The ranges are sourced from quarterly tax documents, and employers must give their permission for the department to release their names.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
  • The Dallas Mavericks gave fans their first look at Cooper Flagg through the first two games of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Recursion's financial results presently illustrate the conventional hurdles encountered by clinical-stage biotechnology enterprises.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • When philosophy meets contract law The Microsoft-OpenAI dispute illustrates what happens when philosophical speculation is turned into legal obligations.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • These weren't amateur attempts at gaming the system — they were carefully crafted prompt injections that demonstrated deep understanding of how AI systems process text and respond to instructions.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Given to the forward who demonstrates throughout the season the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expound

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