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

• 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

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

Spanning beyond physical protection and reclamation, indigo’s spiritual significance stems from pre-colonial Africa to the foundational heritage of Black people in the American South, as expounded by Imani Perry in her book, Black in Blues: How A Color Tells The Story of My People (2025). —Cierra Black, Essence, 9 July 2025

Trade deficit worriers overlook the fundamental truth expounded by Adam Smith: Each participant in a transaction gets something. —Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 27 May 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