EX PLAINS Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

explains

verb

present tense third-person singular of explain

as in illustrates

to make plain or understandable a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in justifies

to give the reason for or cause of can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?

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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 explains Lobello explains why soccer is such an efficient form of exercise and what the World Cup could mean for adults looking to get active. — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026 While sharing her Beauty Secrets with Vogue, the 20-year-old explains that the bittersweet ballad was inspired by a Japanese phrase that means, essentially, everything beautiful is temporary. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 July 2026 The director also explains the meaning of the subtitle of her film, Saved by the Beauty of the World, derived from words spoken by the poet. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 July 2026 But as Katie Wu, a science writer at The Atlantic, explains, that's not the whole story. — Berly McCoy, NPR, 14 July 2026 Below, Select explains some parts of the bill that will directly impact homeowners and homebuyers. — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026 Arendt explains the implications of current news; McCarthy gets an assignment, then travels from her home in Paris to write about it. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 This theory explains that a sprinkler’s rotation is driven by the angular momentum of its internal fluid flows. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026 Chopping, blending, and cooking break down plant cell walls, making nutrients easier to access, explains Wood. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

The strategy illustrates how large pet-food companies increasingly see nutrition as part of preventive health care rather than simply feeding pets.

— Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
Using examples like incidental lung nodules, the piece illustrates how AI can ensure timely follow-ups and coordinated care, preventing devastating delays.

— Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

The highest completion rate in the test still belonged to Opus, and the hardest work still justifies frontier pricing.

— Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
But the evidence does not support the claim that noncitizen voting is occurring at a scale that justifies burdening millions of eligible Americans or overriding state election systems with a sweeping federal mandate.

— Reid Ribble, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of justifies

Verb

But since neo-Brandeisian thought rejects economics as a pseudo-science that rationalizes the desires of capital owners, that objection carries little weight.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
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

Definition of rationalizes

Verb

Translator and philologist Carlota Palacin Jordan believes sufrir demonstrates how nuances in languages can be influenced by cultures and missed in literal translations.

— Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Roman designer Ludovica Malagò, who cofounded Studio Malià with Gaia Rebecchini, demonstrates one graceful way to do so in this recent project.

— Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026

Definition of demonstrates

Verb

The European Commission adopted the Delegated Act, which updates and simplifies the list of products covered by the EUDR, while the Implementing Act outlines the information system for submitting due diligence statements and simplified declarations.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Our version of another low-country favorite, Chicken Bog, simplifies the dish for an easy and family-friendly weeknight meal.

— Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Definition of simplifies

Verb

The juxtaposition of the two messages illuminates the deepening faultlines and anxieties within the technological competition between the US and China, which the rapid rise of AI is only deepening.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
That contrast can give takeovers the appearance of a spontaneous revolt, one that illuminates the extreme economic disparities of our era.

— Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026