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
The Women’s Center explained to us the succession of victories that led to Taiwan’s feminist present, though, as always, there is more work to be done.
—
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Muscat and Riyadh were the preferred departure airports at the start of the conflict as the airspace and flight corridors were more predictable, although Dubai has since become more popular as the emirate is home to many people who are trying to leave the region, Vorster explained.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
At every Busk since, explains Kenny, one of his songs has been played in tribute.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2026
At the Wyoming hearing, plug-in solar supporters explained that the systems stop generating power when the grid is down.
—Jeff Brady, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explain
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Muscat and Riyadh were the preferred departure airports at the start of the conflict as the airspace and flight corridors were more predictable, although Dubai has since become more popular as the emirate is home to many people who are trying to leave the region, Vorster explained.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
At every Busk since, explains Kenny, one of his songs has been played in tribute.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2026
At the Wyoming hearing, plug-in solar supporters explained that the systems stop generating power when the grid is down.
—Jeff Brady, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
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But there is also, almost always, the outside frame, which clarifies the artifice of filmmaking, and the labor that goes into it.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
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Further research may also help clarify the underlying causes of early-onset colon cancer, whether related to diet, environmental exposures or other factors.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While discussing current events, and specifically the military conflict with Iran, Reid said that Iranians were justified in disliking the United States due to the 1953 coup in which Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh was overthrown, an effort that Great Britain and the United States aided.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Mar. 2026
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All this fuels engagement algorithms that the platforms use to justify their advertising rates and their stock prices.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Whyte’s other songwriting contribution to the album, by contrast, illustrates all that can go wrong with solo Morrissey.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
10 Mar. 2026
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As my diagnostic experience illustrates, many of us are told that memory changes are normal aging and that pushing for answers is unnecessary.—
Shon Lowe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 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
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Most amusing quote from an NBA coach was delivered by Houston’s Ime Udoka, who tried to rationalize Adebayo’s big night by citing his high free-throw total and other factors.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But the fact that employees still showed up, including without pay during last year’s federal government shutdown, demonstrates their commitment to keeping the beloved parks flourishing.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
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The events in Morón cap a week in which Cubans around the country and especially in Havana have been staging cacerolazos, as the banging of pots is known all across Latin America, demonstrating against the government and their living conditions.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Last month, OpenAI introduced a new product called Frontier that’s meant to allow organizations to build and manage AI agents more easily, with the goal of helping businesses simplify the process of rolling out the technology.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
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The new economic development plan directs the city to find ways to simplify and streamline permitting and to help companies navigate the system.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Attractions like Anakeesta play a role in absorbing some of that demand while interpreting and celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the region.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Mar. 2026
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But the idea that trauma can alter the way people perceive the world and interpret their experience is ubiquitous now.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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