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

Speaking to the Daily Mail on Thursday, Zhou expounded on her allegations. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025

Gently expounded with a God-like omniscience by an unseen narrator (Will Patton), Train Dreams takes place in a space between the then and the now, being simultaneously of the past and in the moment (Bentley plays with time in unexpected ways). —Damon Wise, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025

At the center on Thursday morning, staff expounded about their tribute as part of the crawl to the former Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, once a marquee event locally that ended in 2017. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025

His post makes no mention of upcoming future dates in the tour, nor expounds on the nature of the threat. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 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