1
as in illustrates
to make plain or understandable
a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifies
to give the reason for or cause of
can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explains
The chancellor nods along as MrBeast – whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson – explains the ever-growing appeal of YouTube and the challenges of finding people to work on his videos.
—
Chris Quintana, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Cuevas de Arom uses the vessels through the entire winemaking process, from fermentation through aging, which Mora explains provides a slower, more delicate evolution.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2025
The professor explains that the process works similarly to a conventional camera, but instead of capturing light waves, radio waves are transformed into a detailed image.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Whereas criminal suspects in this past may have been incriminated by a Google query on, say, how to clean up bloodstains, a more comprehensive, detailed back-and-forth with a tool like ChatGPT gives investigators far more opportunities to prove intent and mindset, Lee explains.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
Here, garden expert Barbara Damrosch explains each of the components needed to create a thriving garden come spring.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
As the affidavit explains, investigators ruled out fireworks, lightning, power lines and sunlight refraction.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Gilford explains that the bikes had to appear military-esque and practical, while also showing the aesthetic of Encom’s rival corporation.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
This royal connection is still celebrated each year during the traditional Swan Upping ceremony on the River Thames, the charity explains.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Chris Quintana, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Cuevas de Arom uses the vessels through the entire winemaking process, from fermentation through aging, which Mora explains provides a slower, more delicate evolution.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2025
The professor explains that the process works similarly to a conventional camera, but instead of capturing light waves, radio waves are transformed into a detailed image.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Whereas criminal suspects in this past may have been incriminated by a Google query on, say, how to clean up bloodstains, a more comprehensive, detailed back-and-forth with a tool like ChatGPT gives investigators far more opportunities to prove intent and mindset, Lee explains.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
Here, garden expert Barbara Damrosch explains each of the components needed to create a thriving garden come spring.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
As the affidavit explains, investigators ruled out fireworks, lightning, power lines and sunlight refraction.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Gilford explains that the bikes had to appear military-esque and practical, while also showing the aesthetic of Encom’s rival corporation.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
This royal connection is still celebrated each year during the traditional Swan Upping ceremony on the River Thames, the charity explains.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
-
Underscore those last three words — in the West — because the Grizzlies’ example illustrates a key truth about the difference between the East and West, one that possibly helps maintain the near-continuous chasm in strength between the two conferences.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Ultimately, Flatbike’s evolution illustrates how attentive problem-solving rooted in personal experience can yield solutions that are both practical and widely relevant.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This justifies higher volume assumptions for US producers leading to higher long-term EBITDA and FCF forecasts.—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The Republican who ostensibly champions liberty but justifies authoritarian impulses from the White House.—
John H Bolthouse,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Proposition 411 clarifies the city manager’s role.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The script never changed, Cregger clarifies.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The scene demonstrates Courtney’s capacious approach to metaphor.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
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The Sierra Club’s report demonstrates that state and federal desires to keep the coal industry afloat is reflected in local utility decision making.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The upright positioning also simplifies maintenance by leaving walkable space between panel rows.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
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This greatly simplifies the PuDo problem as well, though these areas often have very congested traffic.—
Brad Templeton,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The full moon in Libra on the 12th illuminates your relationships, highlighting where you may be stuck in codependent or toxic dynamics.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The Revitalizing Serum, made with mostly natural ingredients including red camellia extract, smooths and illuminates the skin while its counterpart—the Revitalizing Eye Serum—wakes up the gaze.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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