Definition of explainnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explain are elucidate, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

In what contexts can elucidate take the place of explain?

While in some cases nearly identical to explain, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of explain?

The words explicate and explain can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When is expound a more appropriate choice than explain?

Although the words expound and explain have much in common, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related?

Interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

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 All of this helps to explain how the Frida phenomenon has come into being. Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 And Todd Spangler explains why Comcast is hauling out the corporate meat cleaver to separate NBCUniversal and Sky from the core Comcast cable and tech assets. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 29 June 2026 The trimmer line, typically a nylon string, is the part of your string trimmer that actually cuts vegetation, explains Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 The goal is to stop using scarce human time on work that software can monitor, explain, and improve. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
  • Known for his deep technical knowledge and signature milk punches, Gibson has brought that ingenuity to Lucky Star through his reserved cocktails, such as the cookies and cream made with rum, clarified milk tea and creme de cacao.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Wall Street is increasingly punishing Big Tech companies for spending on AI without profits to justify it.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Thus far, Meta was only monetizing AI through its advertising, which is a great business but can be cyclical and was not enough to justify using all its cash flow.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.
    Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • His larger diagnosis is that the division machine has made every disagreement existential — and that once a political difference becomes sacred, people will rationalize almost anything to defeat the other side.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These activists have rationalized Hamas’ terrorist attacks and embraced outright antisemitism.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • The resulting bio-char demonstrated a heating value of 29 MJ/kg, meaning that burning 1 kg of the fuel will provide 29 MJ of thermal energy.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Online grocery delivery and meal kit services can simplify meal planning and save time.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Developers expect modular construction and standardized systems to simplify deployment and reduce project complexity.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The concerns now being raised by faculty should not be interpreted as proof that admissions policies have failed, and the causes of declining academic preparation extend well beyond admissions offices.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • For Ocasio-Cortez and Schumer, the race will be interpreted through the lens of their relative influence as Democratic Party power brokers.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on explain

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster