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 Gilroy also explains Cassian's nod to the Force Healer. Poor, poor, poor Dedra. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 14 May 2025 Trump further explained his stance during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, which aired on Tuesday night. Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 May 2025 About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 14 May 2025 Plus, writer-director Paul Feig explains how true-crime podcasts inspired the film's murderous methods. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
  • Immigrant advocates have called on the Supreme Court to clarify how much notice migrants should receive before removal under the act and to review the legality of Trump's use of the law.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Mamet emphasizes the vernacular like a theatrical soothsayer while Zahler visualizes violence to clarify circumstance and character.
    Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Some were concerned the data was being used to justify efforts to combat climate change, although the rising cost of weather disasters is due to more than just global warming.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • This would effectively challenge pharmaceutical companies to justify their pricing to America, leading to equitable pricing.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The collection illustrates the LVERS philosophy at the core of the Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme: the values and discernment that bind together its global community from Paris to Miami and everywhere in between, according to a press release by the house.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • The episode, which sent shock waves through the global economy, illustrated a broader pattern in which the president has rushed to implement unconventional or extreme policies also outlined in Project 2025.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • And with that creative thinking comes questioning everything and rationalizing why things are done the way they are done.
    Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Trying to rationalize something with a teenager is different than trying to rationalize something with one of his cohorts.
    Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But academic research has consistently demonstrated that stadiums are poor drivers of economic growth, and an analysis published earlier this year found that stadium projects spur little growth in local construction industries.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
  • Previous research identified the behavior as a form of communication and demonstrated that the animals have individual drumming styles.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • But the shooting side has simplified a bit since Doom Eternal.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
  • This isn't the first time Tesla has simplified its product line in response to market realities.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • However, India would later interpret the treaty as final, claiming the territory as part of India.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2025
  • Furthermore, who’s to say my rendering couldn’t be interpreted as an artistic choice or even, in some cases, an improvement?
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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