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 The supplemental essays are a critical opportunity for students to share their voice and expound on their candidacy. Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 In 1882, Junius Henri Browne, a writer for Harper’s Magazine, expounded on a highly relatable problem. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 11 Aug. 2025 To expound on Sanders’ post-touchdown celebration: Sanders caught the touchdown pass right in front of the defensive backs, including onlooking Mike Jackson, who missed his second consecutive practice Wednesday because of a toe injury but still watched practice from the sideline. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025 Other music luminaries, including Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Sting, Garth Brooks, Jackson Browne and Nas also pop in to expound on what has made Joel one of the preeminent musicians of the past 50 years. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • On Bosnia-Herzegovina, Vučić has also backtracked, expressing support for long-time Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik – who has been barred from office by the country’s constitutional court, but defies that ruling.
    Hanna Begić, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But while Lamar has mostly used his art to express his sentiments, Bad Bunny has been more overt about his dissatisfaction with the current administration.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Erika Kirk also explained why a small stuffed puppet was sitting beside Kirk’s empty microphone.
    Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, Pittsburgh’s defense rested on the idea that the taxes equal out when considering the school-district tax—a point, as explained above, that failed to persuade the judges who have presided over this litigation.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The development sparked a backlash from the acting community, with the likes of Emily Blunt and SAG-AFTRA voicing concern.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Two days later, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr voiced his frustrations over Kimmel's comments and ABC temporarily pulled Kimmel from the air, while broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar continued to preempt the show following its return on Sept 23.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Try washing the tint out with a clarifying shampoo or a deep treatment mask like Matrix Biolage HydraSource Deep Treatment Hair Mask right away.
    Maureen Choi, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025
  • So, which clarifying shampoo is best for you?
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • How does a century-old industrial company such as Firmenich (renamed DSM-Firmenich following its 2023 merger with Dutch chemical firm DSM) manage to remain globally competitive today, given that a large share of its cost base is in the most expensive country in the world?
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers to give 60 days’ notice ahead of mass layoffs.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • New research into Rembrandt van Rijn’s 1642 masterpiece suggests that this barking dog was inspired by the title page of a widely available book on the temptations of the flesh, illustrated by the Dutch artist, poet and publisher Adriaen van de Venne.
    Senay Boztas, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • One New Kingdom papyrus illustrates a curious case of power being projected along the river through sheer brinkmanship.
    Vanessa Taylor, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The test event also demonstrated that the system can detect UAVs even if drones are partially obscured by buildings or clouds.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Protesters had rallied for days outside the Texas state capitol, demonstrating against Republican efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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