explained 1 of 2

adjective

as in confirmed

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explained

2 of 2

verb

past tense of explain
1
as in clarified
to make plain or understandable a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justified
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 explained
Verb
In an interview last year, Anthony Ciancio explained how the film was a labor of love, taking years to make. — Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 McDowell explained that, as the rocket stage was left relatively close to the moon, it got repeatedly influenced by lunar gravity, eventually spiralling into its surface. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Garnett then explained to Mangione how he might be sentenced, noting that both charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole, as well as potential fines. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026 Zoe Saldaña, who also received a tribute, explained why she was bothered by political questions. — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 That likely did not sit well with some investors, even though Hazen explained the seasonality of the business. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026 The brothers explained that the sequence came together spontaneously, with the cast initially pushing back on the idea. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 The logic, as Naga Chaitanya explained, was not about short-term returns. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Home loans involve decades of payments, fees and terms that aren’t always explained clearly upfront. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explained
  1. confirmed
  2. clarified
  3. justified
  4. determined
  5. illustrated
  6. attributed
  7. established
  8. demonstrated
Adjective
  • Elliott matter-of-factly told the story about his name, as well the later discovery through 23andMe of his biological father’s likely identity and the confirmed existence of many half siblings, just by pushing a button.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The cards have relatively flexible cancellation terms and the ability to downgrade to a smaller aircraft on a confirmed basis.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of confirmed
Verb
  • However, the department has not clarified the scope, and has not confirmed whether legitimate PSLF credit has been rescinded for some borrowers and, if so, whether it will be restored.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Elci clarified that was a nod to his father’s work ethic, not a disregard for his passing.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarified
Verb
  • For example, a model that looked differentiated six months ago becomes a commodity, or a feature that justified a custom build suddenly has multiple vendor alternatives.
    — Abhishek Bahl, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • He's viewed by many as a vigilante whose actions against an unfair health care system were justified.
    — Brian Mann, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of justified
Adjective
  • At first determined to capture him, little by little Araí starts to understand, and eventually, to identify with the villain.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Abel opens the wallet Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Greg Abel, who took over from Buffett at the start of the year, appears determined to put the record cash hoard amassed by Warren Buffett to work on buybacks and stock purchases.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of determined
Verb
  • Inspired by the transient beauty of cherry blossoms, known in Japan as sakura — which is illustrated in their album cover, alongside a dark pegasus — much of the LP also hinges on melodrama.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Showing is More Effective than Telling Every strong personal statement should have a clear takeaway for the admissions reader—but that takeaway should be illustrated through the writing itself, rather than declared outright in the conclusion.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrated
Verb
  • That confidence began to waver in 2019, when the United States did not respond to an attack on Saudi oil refineries attributed to Iran, and again when Houthi drone strikes hit the UAE in 2022.
    — MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Citi analysts attributed the decline to the company’s transition from wholesale to direct-to-consumer sales rather than soft demand.
    — Evelyn Cheng,Jenny Lee, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of attributed
Adjective
  • Alvarez entered the Air Force as an established Olympic medalist.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • When founders join established shows, they're introduced to communities that already trust the host.
    — Julio Cesar Gomez, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of established
Verb
  • Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of strength training as well.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Hormuz crisis demonstrated the strategic value of the United States’ transformation from a major oil importer into a leading producer and exporter.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of demonstrated

Browse Nearby Words

explain away
explained
explained away
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Cite this Entry

“Explained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explained. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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