expound

verb

ex·​pound ik-ˈspau̇nd 

expounded; expounding; expounds

transitive verb

1

a

: to set forth : state

b

: to defend with argument

2

: to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail

expound a law

intransitive verb

: to make a statement : comment

expounder noun

Synonyms of expound

• express
• voice
• give

Choose the Right Synonym for expound

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable.

explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

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

interpreting a work of art

Examples of expound in a Sentence

The article expounds the virtues of a healthy diet.

When asked to expound, he had no comment.

Recent Examples on the Web

The talk will encompass later American revolutions which related directly to principles expounded on in the Declaration of Independence such as abolition and women’s suffrage and civil rights. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026

Close, who is incredibly passionate about the sport and committed to its growth, expressed frustration at the time and expounded on her comments Wednesday on a Zoom call after the Bruins completed a sweep of the Big Ten road trip by winning at Penn State. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026

During two weeks of isolation in Carol’s neighborhood, Manousos hit the books in order to expound on his previous findings. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025

Maybe the Justices, who are not without vanity, just want to expound a bit. —Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French espundre, expondre, from Latin exponere to explain — more at expose

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for expound

• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• background
• campground
• clothbound
• confound
• earthbound
• eastbound
• fairground
• foreground

Kids Definition

expound

verb

ex·​pound ik-ˈspau̇nd 

1

: to make known (as one's ideas or beliefs) : set forth

2

: to explain clearly : interpret

expounder noun