Synonyms of explain

explain

verb

ik-ˈsplān 

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

• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate
• simplify
• interpret
• illuminate
• elucidate
• explicate
• expound
• construe
• demystify
• analyze
• clear (up)
• define
• spell out
• resolve
• get across
• specify
• solve
• decipher
• unriddle
• unravel
• decode
• disentangle
• untangle
• undo
• annotate
• unscramble
• break down
• gloss
• commentate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• confuse
• cloud
• confound
• obfuscate
• befog

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

• justify
• rationalize
• account (for)
• attribute
• forgive
• excuse
• explain away
• condone
• absolve
• vindicate
• exonerate
• acquit
• exculpate

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

Recent Examples of explain

Television ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2: What to know, new characters, episodes explained May 23, 2025 What the hell just happened? —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025

Here, again, the English translation fails to capture the historical and cultural connotations of the Persian, Bahari explained. —Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

Much of the tour has been dedicated to explaining and, in some instances, excusing how the press, a multibillion-dollar industry whose entire reason ... —Becket Adams, National Review, 25 May 2025

As de Lara explains to Tanner, each Greek temple’s visual experience was different. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025

Phrases Containing explain

• explain away