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 tiny wine bar, across the street from the railroad tracks on Dixie Highway in Hollywood and across the parking lot from American Legion Post 92, is first and foremost focused on pouring and expounding on the beauty of natural wines from around the world. —Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

Warsh often referred back to the Fed’s brief statement about the economy rather than expounding upon it. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Rose’s speech at the Igniting the Dream Gala expounded upon her journey to theatrical success and the publication of her 2024 and 2026 children’s books, as well as her own dreams, past and present. —Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

Jones also further expounds on the vampire’s wretched lineage and mythology through flashbacks. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 11 June 2026

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