1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of explains
Enjoy, and see you soon… A flood of cheap copies of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight-loss drug in India is already reshaping the country’s fast-growing obesity medicine market, showing how quickly the patent cliff will affect GLP-1 makers like Eli Lilly, Bloomberg News explains.
—
Ed Silverman, STAT, 10 Apr. 2026
Legally, as Randi helpfully explains, Deborah can film something as long as it’s not released until the noncompete is over.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Our Senior Manager, Jase Parnell-Brookes, explains.
—Jase Parnell-Brookes, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The researchers subjected amputated tissues from tadpoles and embryonic mice to various laboratory tests, explains molecular biologist Georgios Tsissios, the study’s lead author.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026
Bunger explains that constipation can be particularly troublesome for astronauts during the first few days in space while their bodies adjust.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026
Ng explains the canon of dishes on the menu is largely standardized across beverages, baked goods, and savory dishes.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Roof Repair/Replacement Roofing pro Andre Kazimierski of HomeHero Roofing explains that getting a new roof—or a roof repair—is very popular in the summer.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026
Perhaps this view explains his decision to forsake previous rounds of talks over Iran’s nuclear program and wage a full-scale assault on the country.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Ed Silverman, STAT, 10 Apr. 2026
Legally, as Randi helpfully explains, Deborah can film something as long as it’s not released until the noncompete is over.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Our Senior Manager, Jase Parnell-Brookes, explains.
—Jase Parnell-Brookes, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The researchers subjected amputated tissues from tadpoles and embryonic mice to various laboratory tests, explains molecular biologist Georgios Tsissios, the study’s lead author.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026
Bunger explains that constipation can be particularly troublesome for astronauts during the first few days in space while their bodies adjust.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026
Ng explains the canon of dishes on the menu is largely standardized across beverages, baked goods, and savory dishes.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Roof Repair/Replacement Roofing pro Andre Kazimierski of HomeHero Roofing explains that getting a new roof—or a roof repair—is very popular in the summer.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026
Perhaps this view explains his decision to forsake previous rounds of talks over Iran’s nuclear program and wage a full-scale assault on the country.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
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Through a blend of archival recordings and contemporary interviews, the series illustrates how the church became a sanctuary for its community, honoring both their faith and queerness while fostering joy and connection during a time of profound grief.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
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The film illustrates how her powerful images not only document the human cost of conflict but also drive social change, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of journalism and highlighting the universal struggle between ambition and familial obligations.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, that hardly justifies a $100 increase over last year’s model, which had the same display and memory.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 Apr. 2026
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To me, what this justifies is more responsible behavior by social platforms to cut down on their most harmful features.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When asked if he is divorced, Marsden's character clarifies he is widowed.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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Lawmakers must pass legislation that clarifies that ostomy supplies are not appropriate for inclusion in competitive bidding programs and should be treated as patient-specific systems, not interchangeable goods.—
Diego Schaps,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
-
True crime, as a genre, rationalizes its exploitations—people’s tragedies and traumas, recast for popular consumption—by couching the sensationalism in considerations of justice.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Or when Reggie purposefully annoys Arthur by having his son, Carmelo (Jalyn Hall), practice with his a cappella group in Arthur’s editing suite, a move that demonstrates the increasingly teasing affection between Arthur and Reggie.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
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As the book demonstrates, notoriously unforgiving passport photos were delivered so well by Sharkey that some stars would see him again and again.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sanyuan Aerospace highlighted that the cable drive places drive control components inside the satellite body, which simplifies thermal control and radiation protection and reduces research and development costs.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
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Hranchuk, the consumer behavior expert and a professor at Brock University in Ontario, said the menu refresh can work if Panera simplifies its ordering process, delivers quality food and creates a consistent experience.—
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Her account illuminates the role of royal women as advisers, managers of court affairs, and participants in diplomatic life—a dimension of Mughal history largely absent from accounts penned by male authors.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
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Ahmed’s electrifying performance illuminates the text, carefully honed by Lesslie.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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