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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 As well as hearing the audio of the Princess, the three-part doc series explains how and when they were recorded, and the extraordinary lengths Diana went to in order to ensure her story could be heard. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 As Madison explains, picking her first post-Oscar gig definitely stressed her out, but her desire to grow her career and range (a la Cate Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert) helped push her to take on the project. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026 The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that laser resurfacing recovery varies by technique and treatment depth, and that sun protection remains important after healing. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 The Dove website explains that when the body breaks down food, the byproducts move through the circulatory system and exit via perspiration, where bacteria on the skin create odor. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 That design explains almost every service experience people hate. — Malte Kosub, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 El Niño can push the North Pacific storm track southward, bringing more storms into Southern California, Seager explains. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 That explains why two people eating the same garlic-heavy pasta can walk out of the restaurant smelling nothing alike. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Plus, the band addresses the conversation around backing tracks, explains how the business side of music has changed, and talks about the pressure surrounding their new record. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

Under Armour's operating income, which illustrates its underlying profitability, turned negative in fiscal 2025 and 2026.

— Ryan Baker, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
More broadly, the expansion illustrates how advanced technology, industrial investment and acquisition reform are increasingly interconnected in modern defence planning.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

The director clarifies that the moment came up organically in filming.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
The final version — which has Beutner’s approval — clarifies that small schools or small school districts can pool their money to share an arts teacher, provided that every school gets the additional arts instruction.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 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

For now, AthenaZero demonstrates a promising direction for robotic design.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Despite the deep divide on governance, and disagreements on governance in Bangladesh, the 300-signatory milestone demonstrates that international brands remain committed to the Accord’s core principle.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 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

With her clear sense of purpose and self-belief, Chase illuminates our own generative and creative capacities, inspiring and delighting in equal measure.

— Ruth Negga, Time, 30 Sep. 2026
The Aries Full Moon illuminates your private 12th house, bringing an old emotion, habit, memory, or attachment closer to the surface.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026