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 But the stock market is also known for volatility, which explains why some people shy away from investing in it. — Maurie Backman, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 George Bonanno, a psychologist at Columbia University, explains that many people who have intense symptoms initially—such as nightmares and flashbacks—won’t develop PTSD. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 But the cells that make it, called ameloblasts, break down once a tooth erupts, and a 2014 paper in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research explains that mature enamel no longer contains the living cells needed to repair itself. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 Cassegrain, mustachioed, silver-haired, and smiling, explains that during its early days, the pipes were popular with hip youngsters. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Its original residential use explains many of the details that have managed to survive to the present day, such as the wooden doors that can be seen in both the hotel’s main building and the adjoining restaurant. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026 In other words, Jessica Levin explains, private schools already have the SGOs, the infrastructure and the advertising budgets. — Cory Turner, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026 The bilateral integration of energy infrastructure over the past 30-plus years explains why this sector was exempt from the most recent tariffs. — Stefano Tijerina, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 But the series’ choice to humanize the villain without excusing her actions was intentional, Thornton explains. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

Listen displays album artwork and playback information, while Climate illustrates cabin airflow and seat temperature.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
The record illustrates how artists can combine music, video content, and direct engagement with listeners.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

Luxury fashion — an industry that justifies its price tag through the promise of human craftsmanship — has enjoyed nodding to robots, and in particular fem-bots, for decades.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
There's also the question of whether the energy transferred justifies the cost and complexity, particularly when conventional fast-charging stations are already expanding.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of justifies

Verb

The proposal clarifies that the city's contribution covers the actual costs of maintaining, operating, and managing the stadium.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
But the list clarifies that restrictions don’t apply to licensing, partnerships, and contract research services involving these technologies.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarifies

Verb

Patchett rationalizes Mary’s decision by establishing that Nutmeg was old.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of rationalizes

Verb

Doe’s case demonstrates just how complex Title IX cases are, even under the more protective policies afforded to accusers by past presidential administrations.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
For now, the work demonstrates a limited but automated connection between detecting an odor and recreating a corresponding scent elsewhere.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of demonstrates

Verb

That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
For an unguided experience, his company’s Rental and Ride package simplifies the logistics of a point-to-point river trip by coordinating the drop-off and downriver pickup.

— Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of simplifies

Verb

During the Halloween season, Shawn and Ryan Tofte’s house illuminates with a cool blue hue while jack-o’-lanterns provide a warm glow on the steps and yard.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Unlike a standard microscope, which illuminates an entire sample at once and can produce blurry images, a confocal microscope focuses on one depth level at a time.

— Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026