1
as in to clarify
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 to justify
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 explain
And none of them can explain it.
—
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
His politics may explain Whitehouse’s general opposition to the current occupant of the White House, though not necessarily the invective.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
As Kama Hopkins, cultural advisor at Aulani, explained to us, Aulani is a Hawaiian resort built by Disney.
—Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Hayes explained while standing in a quiet corner on the rooftop of West Hollywood’s Petit Ermitage, which hosted the screening, party and performance of rising group Haute & Freddy as part of its ongoing Petit Salon series.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
His politics may explain Whitehouse’s general opposition to the current occupant of the White House, though not necessarily the invective.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
As Kama Hopkins, cultural advisor at Aulani, explained to us, Aulani is a Hawaiian resort built by Disney.
—Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Hayes explained while standing in a quiet corner on the rooftop of West Hollywood’s Petit Ermitage, which hosted the screening, party and performance of rising group Haute & Freddy as part of its ongoing Petit Salon series.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
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Later Cox said a person of interest was in custody and being interviewed, and clarified that the person was not the man booked on the obstruction charge.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Of the 118 valid responses from patients, 108 indicated the ChatGPT summaries clarified details about the original report.—
Kate Ruder,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That explains why the two-perspective structure couldn’t be justified in an episode like this and exposes the weakness of the conceit in the first place.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
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The excitement may be justified, but so is the concern when regulatory structures fail to keep pace with demand.—
Lindsay O'Neill,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The timing, although likely coincidental, illustrated the dilemma Democrats currently face.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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Still, Carney’s lyrical piece, a sort of prose poem-flash fiction hybrid, written from the point of view of an unborn baby, illustrates a womb space at once protective and cage-like.—
Manuel Muñoz,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Researchers also highlight the role of brain processes, such as the frontal lobe’s ability to organize and justify events in how secrecy is rationalized and maintained.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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With this setup, and with two stars who have done well playing characters on their respective Houses with a great capacity for rationalizing their cruelty to others, The Girlfriend could easily get away with going back and forth on the blame game for most of its six-hour length.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The exhibit showcases promotional materials that demonstrate the film’s global impact.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Equally notable, the system moved seamlessly from low- to high-energy states on its own, demonstrating that its automatic adjustment isn’t just theory but a working feature.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Mobile wallets simplify payments for users.—
Andrew Riabchuk,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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If adding new focal point plants and a mix of fall-flowering annuals doesn’t fit your vision for the season, take your fall refresh in another direction and simplify your container schemes.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Implement explainability tools that surface the logic behind AI decisions, establish clear accountability frameworks and train leadership on how to interpret AI behavior.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Without critical thinking, learners struggle to interpret information, resist misleading narratives, or build the confidence needed to succeed on tests, in careers, and in civic life.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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