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 In North Dakota, the people who will be affected are mostly farmers and ranchers, Godfread explains. Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025 Pfeiffer explained that though De Palma was keen on hiring her early on, Al Pacino was not exactly sold. Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025 But taking the role was not an easy choice for Krieps, until co-showrunner Ryan Murphy explained how the two killers’ stories came together. William Earl, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025 While explaining a few of the intricate details of a two-hour practice session at The Citadel, the Charlotte Hornets coach noted how Brandon Miller singled out a particular newcomer and delivered quite a bit of unsolicited praise. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
  • Officials from Line by Lion Publications also took to Facebook to dispel the rumors and clarify that Gilbert is in good care.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Others echoed similar sentiments, demanding Parker clarify the meaning of her comment and apologize.
    Amanda McCoy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On September 24, Judge Smith permanently enjoined DHS from enforcing broad new immigration compliance conditions on a wide range of preparedness grants, ruling the agency had exceeded its statutory authority and failed to justify departing from longstanding grant practices.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Among customers and in financial markets, skepticism is rising as some question whether the massive investment in AI will ever be justified by revenues.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Shot on location surrounded by her horses, the campaign illustrates elevated pieces designed for today’s modern wardrobe, and shows Springsteen in her truest from.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
  • These statistics illustrate the trend of how Americans are starting to delay major milestones like getting married, adopting a pet, buying a house, and having children for a wide variety of reasons, namely owing to inflation and the cost of living.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In 2023, the Eagles were 4-0 (and eventually 10-1), and their issues were often rationalized by pointing to the record.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Boards under pressure for growth routinely make the wrong choice—rationalizing the damage as a problem for their successors.
    Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By night, a small group of protesters – sometimes a dozen or fewer – have demonstrated outside the building.
    Conrad Wilson, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Western Hills demonstrated diversity in scoring by utilizing a variety of plays and players throughout the night to extend the lead.
    Elijah Flowers, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her startup Frank, founded in 2017, was designed to simplify the complex process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for college students seeking financial assistance.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • According to prosecutors, Javice founded Frank in 2017 to help students simplify the process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a government form for students seeking financial aid for college or graduate school.
    Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Accordingly, some interpret this as another blow to the London Stock Exchange (LSE), which is indeed how it was reported locally.
    Ian King, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Under the public safety order, that same data — especially anything interpreted as a behavioral risk factor — could be flagged by AI as indicative of potential danger.
    Kate Caldwell, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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