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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of explain
The course is entirely self-guided, as Blaisdell explained.
—
Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
Their extreme speeds suggest they were launched by powerful, violent events, but no single theory has been able to explain both their breakneck velocities and their puffed-up, overheated appearances — perhaps until now.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Investigators probing Wednesday’s deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis continue to search for a clear motive to explain why Westman, 23, committed the act of terror.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
Their offensive approach, Lindor explained, derived some from conversations with Little Leaguers about keeping it simple.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
Their extreme speeds suggest they were launched by powerful, violent events, but no single theory has been able to explain both their breakneck velocities and their puffed-up, overheated appearances — perhaps until now.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Investigators probing Wednesday’s deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis continue to search for a clear motive to explain why Westman, 23, committed the act of terror.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
Their offensive approach, Lindor explained, derived some from conversations with Little Leaguers about keeping it simple.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
-
This story has been updated to clarify the number of cameras at Wayne State.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The amendment clarifies that if a president dies, resigns, or is removed, the vice president immediately assumes the presidency.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Trump justified both sets of tariffs - as well as more recent tariffs - under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.—
Dietrich Knauth,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, a Republican who represents the far southeast corner of the county, has opposed the project, arguing Google will create too few jobs and pay too little in taxes to justify taking up nearly 470 acres of land.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
For example, as illustrated in my analysis here, after accounting for market volatility, generating nearly $500,000 a year in pre-tax income for 45 years would require a $15,000,000 starting retirement portfolio.—
Kristin McKenna,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
And Breakfast No one’s experience better illustrates Harrisonburg’s magnetic pull than that of Becca and Joel Graham.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Keeping four running backs on this year’s active roster would be difficult to rationalize, even with Blackshear’s special teams acumen.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Through that prism, the Robinson trade could be rationalized.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Subsequent research has demonstrated that when homeowners are covered by flood insurance, individual homes as well as entire neighborhoods benefit.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the United States-Canada operation in the Bering Sea aimed to demonstrate the resolve of the two allies in deterring and defeating adversaries that threaten their homelands in the Arctic.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
To simplify bookings, the studio uses Mariana Tek, which allows the studio to have its own app within a larger app.—
Elaine Pofeldt,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Beyond its minimalist design, the turntable also aims to simplify record playback: There are no buttons or switches—only a small, removable puck.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Their body clearly interprets your presence as an unmistakable signal of safety and security.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Liverpool interpreted that as a reference to Newcastle’s need to sign a replacement rather than simply matching Isak’s asking price.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share