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
Which explains everything and nothing.
—
Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
One explains why inflation exists, while the other tells you what to do when your rent goes up.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
As Better Homes & Gardens explains, spinach is a cool-season crop that can be grown for spring or fall harvest.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
For an overview of small business tax responsibilities, see IRS Publication 583, which explains general filing and recordkeeping requirements.
—Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Patricia explains the process and reminds the woman that drinking coffee before the screening can affect the results.
—Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
That lack of conviction and intensity, more than anything else, explains why Tottenham were so poor under Frank.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Mangroves are also stressed by pollution and rising sea levels, Bhargava Gajre explains.
—Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
No single development explains the trend.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
One explains why inflation exists, while the other tells you what to do when your rent goes up.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
As Better Homes & Gardens explains, spinach is a cool-season crop that can be grown for spring or fall harvest.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
For an overview of small business tax responsibilities, see IRS Publication 583, which explains general filing and recordkeeping requirements.
—Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Patricia explains the process and reminds the woman that drinking coffee before the screening can affect the results.
—Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
That lack of conviction and intensity, more than anything else, explains why Tottenham were so poor under Frank.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Mangroves are also stressed by pollution and rising sea levels, Bhargava Gajre explains.
—Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
No single development explains the trend.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
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Contending visions of the attorney general’s job Bondi’s tenure illustrates the conflicting visions of what an attorney general should do that animate today’s American politics.—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The University of Illinois System illustrates the scale of impact universities can have across the state.—
Mark Denzler,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This justifies using the average premium SVOD churn rate, even though Paramount+ has traditionally fallen short of it.—
Andrew Root,
Sportico.com,
27 Feb. 2026
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The constraint, Dolci says, is not audience demand – the performance of existing screens more than justifies expansion – but the availability of suitable sites.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When asked if he is divorced, Marsden's character clarifies he is widowed.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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Lawmakers must pass legislation that clarifies that ostomy supplies are not appropriate for inclusion in competitive bidding programs and should be treated as patient-specific systems, not interchangeable goods.—
Diego Schaps,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But as another voter rationalizes, the sheer size of the ballot will do more harm than good in the long run.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
-
True crime, as a genre, rationalizes its exploitations—people’s tragedies and traumas, recast for popular consumption—by couching the sensationalism in considerations of justice.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Their willingness to adapt demonstrates forward-thinking leadership from BORA.—
Ian Cohen,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
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Simpson’s paradox demonstrates how counterintuitive statistics can be This article is from Proof Positive, our friendly newsletter that explores the joys and peculiarities of math.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This practice simplifies decision-making and reduces clutter.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
16 Mar. 2026
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Building on the past decade of work by the sustainable farming organization, the next step expands OCA’s impact areas simplifies participation for brands and retailers and increases global supply through new partnerships.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Fluffy Optic cleaner head illuminates hidden dirt on the floor, and the auto-cleaning mode adjusts power based on floor type, helping conserve energy for efficient cleaning.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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Gomez opted for a true neutral petal mani, which illuminates her natural nail bed and adds the subtlest flush of pink.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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