Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elucidate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elucidate are explain, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

In what contexts can explain take the place of elucidate?

While the synonyms explain and elucidate are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When might explicate be a better fit than elucidate?

The meanings of explicate and elucidate largely overlap; however, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When would expound be a good substitute for elucidate?

The words expound and elucidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of elucidate?

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 elucidate The findings not only elucidated the peculiar origins of some cats’ charismatic coloration, but also revealed new insights about a familiar gene. Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 Novel island species elucidate a species complex of Neotropical crocodiles. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 The bill also goes ahead to elucidate that growing, selling, or producing cannabis is prohibited in Idaho. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Deterrence would thus be strengthened at the conventional level by the same logic that Wohlstetter and Schelling elucidated for nuclear stability in the late 1950s and that has helped keep the peace at the nuclear level for nearly three-quarters of a century. Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elucidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elucidate
Verb
  • Lee explains his perspective, as a sportswriter and as a fan, that teams and leagues are taking advantage of supporters.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 June 2025
  • Most materials that are used to build homes in the U.S. are imported, Perotti explained.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The company clarified that prices for parties of five or more will have an additional upcharge.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • Earlier this week, Al Hilal’s CEO Esteve Calzada clarified that Inzaghi had not signed before Inter played Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Anyway, this serves to illustrate how, at the helm, Murati had to address Musk’s input.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • An anecdote illustrates this trend: a freelance graphic designer once lost hours to a phishing link masquerading as a payment request.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Some Social Security workers have demonstrated against the cuts at their offices.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025
  • Made up of students Rohan Jha, Rohan Jain, Audrey Cheng and Michael Antipov, the team demonstrated their knowledge in areas like earning income, spending, saving, managing credit, investing and managing risk, a news release from Frerichs’ office said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elucidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elucidate. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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