Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explain are elucidate, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words 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

In what contexts can elucidate take the place of explain?

While in some cases nearly identical to explain, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of explain?

The words explicate and explain can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When is expound a more appropriate choice than explain?

Although the words expound and explain have much in common, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related?

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 explain Here, Butcher explains how his team brings it all to life. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025 The woman tried to explain that this was different. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 Tariffs can create more demand for domestic manufacturers, but those companies are also part of the global supply chain and therefore also impacted by tariffs, experts have previously explained to USA TODAY. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 All of this will be further explained during finale. Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
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
  • Fundamentals Relative to peers, FTNT trades at a modest premium on forward P/E multiples, but its profitability metrics far exceed industry averages, justifying upside potential.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Two years out, the consensus rises modestly to $69, and to $77 five years from now, levels many independents say are too low to justify new drilling.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 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
  • Boards under pressure for growth routinely make the wrong choice—rationalizing the damage as a problem for their successors.
    Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Since then, many on the right have celebrated the move and rationalized it one way or another.
    Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 19 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
Verb
  • The upright positioning also simplifies maintenance by leaving walkable space between panel rows.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Modern versions of the recipe rely on a candy thermometer and timers to eliminate guesswork and a mixer to keep things moving, simplifying the process at every step, making Deal Island Devil Cream a recipe that fans of classic Southern layer cakes should add to their collection.
    Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But other times, a lot of the expressions that people interpret in the film as scared and alarmed or vexed by the invisible forces are the results of things on set that are just bizarre and kind of hilarious.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Still, some social media users have interpreted the sitting as a snub.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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