Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

elucidate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of elucidate

to make plain or understandable
  • colored charts that really help to elucidate the points made in the text
Synonyms of elucidate

clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, explain, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle
Words Related to elucidate

decipher, decode

analyze, break down

disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle

resolve, solve

define, specify

annotate, commentate, gloss
Near Antonyms of elucidate

befog, cloud

confound, confuse, obfuscate
Antonyms of elucidate

obscure

Synonym Discussion of elucidate

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

Learn More about elucidate

  1. See words that rhyme with elucidate Dictionary: Definition of elucidate Spanish Central: Translation of elucidate Nglish: Translation of elucidate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of elucidate for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up elucidate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games