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
Guthrie explains experiences like this taught her faith is forged, not in moments of ease or happiness, but in the lowest points of adversity.
—
Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.
—Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026
To keep costs down, Szakin explains that booking airfare in advance is one of the best ways travelers can secure lower prices.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Fortification began in the United States in the early 20th century, when scientists linked nutrient deficiencies to widespread health problems, explains Young.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
That explains why newer Olympic sports have included breakdancing, surfing and skateboarding.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026
But that’s not how stomach bugs work, Carli explains.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
The brand is now owned by Heaven Hill, which explains this collaboration.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Much of this explains why The Housemaid has performed well.
—Ellie Austin, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.
—Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026
To keep costs down, Szakin explains that booking airfare in advance is one of the best ways travelers can secure lower prices.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Fortification began in the United States in the early 20th century, when scientists linked nutrient deficiencies to widespread health problems, explains Young.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
That explains why newer Olympic sports have included breakdancing, surfing and skateboarding.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026
But that’s not how stomach bugs work, Carli explains.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
The brand is now owned by Heaven Hill, which explains this collaboration.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Much of this explains why The Housemaid has performed well.
—Ellie Austin, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
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The situation illustrates how decades after the devastating 1990s wars in the former Yugoslavia, the region lags behind the rest of Europe both economically and with regard to environmental protection.—
Eldar Emric,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Altman’s frustration perfectly illustrates how AI companies have driven themselves into a corner.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At the same time, Maryland has lost approximately 130,000 residents since Moore took office, yet the budget justifies hundreds of millions in housing and community revitalization spending based on population growth assumptions that do not match reality.—
J.B. Jennings,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2026
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Today’s chip valuations have also already priced in years of double-digit growth, so any friction in the buildout justifies short-term selloffs.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At the video's end, the man clarifies that the cold-blooded iguanas are not dead, but rather in brumation — reptiles' version of hibernation.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
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The bill amends the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, harmonizes tax and enforcement provisions, and clarifies how cannabis will be treated across state codes.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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One pattern rationalizes exploitation and disguises harm as the price of progress.—
Valerie L. Myers,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And this creative team, which also includes veteran Broadway director Alex Timbers, demonstrates enough love for the source material to earn the benefit of the doubt.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
3 Feb. 2026
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This study demonstrates that low-frequency radio data can offer an indirect solution.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These vehicle types often operate from centralized locations, which simplifies the logistical requirements for hydrogen refueling.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Feb. 2026
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The Nigerian government rejected the claim, and analysts say the claim simplifies a very complicated crisis that targets people regardless of their faiths.—
Pelumi Salako,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This Leo Full Moon illuminates confidence, creativity, leadership, and the desire to be seen.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
25 Jan. 2026
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Amid the chronological retelling of anecdotes and landmark events in Valdez’s storied career, Alvarado also illuminates the elderly master’s personal wounds.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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