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
Aubrey explains that discussing difficult topics openly has become a central part of the podcast’s purpose, particularly when those topics are often avoided in everyday conversation.
—
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Advertisement Travers explains that this has consequences for the whole of British politics, as its parliamentary system is not designed to host a wide range of parties.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2026
That dynamic explains the Sweden-to-Latvia route.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
And this also explains some of the fear that Reform, which is hovering around the twenties in national polls, could potentially lead the next government, whereas the German far-right party, the AfD, is also polling in the twenties but has no chance to form the next government.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
The impacts of these events still feel fresh, Serpi explains through a digital translator.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
The Standish has just 28 residences and comes with a slate of full-service perks—24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness studio, and rooftop terrace—along with a premium location, which explains why so many stars have landed there.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
As if that wasn't enough, the hospital is also in lockdown due to an active shooter, as Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) explains in the heart-pounding promo.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Rhone explains why that changed.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 1 May 2026
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Advertisement Travers explains that this has consequences for the whole of British politics, as its parliamentary system is not designed to host a wide range of parties.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2026
That dynamic explains the Sweden-to-Latvia route.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
And this also explains some of the fear that Reform, which is hovering around the twenties in national polls, could potentially lead the next government, whereas the German far-right party, the AfD, is also polling in the twenties but has no chance to form the next government.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
The impacts of these events still feel fresh, Serpi explains through a digital translator.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
The Standish has just 28 residences and comes with a slate of full-service perks—24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness studio, and rooftop terrace—along with a premium location, which explains why so many stars have landed there.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
As if that wasn't enough, the hospital is also in lockdown due to an active shooter, as Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) explains in the heart-pounding promo.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Rhone explains why that changed.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
-
The invitation of private equity illustrates the cash challenge that most of the universities that participate in the highest level of major NCAA athletics are juggling like a litter of hungry dogs.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
-
The best true-crime writing always illustrates how a particular place and social environment made that crime possible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
That’s an acute disconnect for early-career filmmakers weighing whether the traditional path justifies the cost and risk.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
-
But none of this justifies standing still.—
Peter S. Hendricks,
STAT,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
The new rule clarifies that for songs submitted as the first new music cue once the end credits begin, the video clip must include the last 15 seconds of the film before the credits begin.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
1 May 2026
-
The attorney then clarifies if his testimony is that Randklev went through the training, but had not read any part of the act.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Colleen Camp, on the other hand, demonstrates a flair for light comedy as an alluring French maid, though the role too often requires her to play second fiddle to her own enhanced bosom.—
Kirk Ellis,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
-
The candidate demonstrates willingness to address younger voters’ concerns openly, responding directly to questions about his billionaire status and financial practices.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
AeroVironment added that the removable design also simplifies maintenance and upgrades because the laser module can be swapped out without sending the ship into dry dock.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
8 May 2026
-
This greatly simplifies things.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His struggle no longer illuminates much of anything.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
5 May 2026
-
At the same time, faint light reflected from Earth softly illuminates the Moon, revealing mountains and craters in a dim twilight.—
Deana L. Weibel,
The Conversation,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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