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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explain
The pledge is a moral commitment rather than a legally binding contract—participants sign an open letter explaining their reasons for giving.
—
Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Now JetBlue passengers can even watch Banks explain how to channel your inner mixologist, no cocktail shaker required, in a funny new video streaming on the plane.
—Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Cargill explained her actions following a commercial break.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
The building was used to manufacture cast booster used in commercial mining, McCracken explained.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Now JetBlue passengers can even watch Banks explain how to channel your inner mixologist, no cocktail shaker required, in a funny new video streaming on the plane.
—Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Cargill explained her actions following a commercial break.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
The building was used to manufacture cast booster used in commercial mining, McCracken explained.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
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The former Fox News personality blasted Curtis for clarifying a set of comments regarding the conservative activist's killing on Wednesday's episode of The Megyn Kelly Show.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
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Jordan clarifies that his comment about regretting introducing Luca to Megan had nothing to do with Megan and was more about his decision to be on Love Is Blind when his son needs stability.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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A little goes a long way, which makes the above-average price point easier to justify.—
Taylor Rock,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
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And as obesity rates among American continue to rank far higher than those of other countries, the survey says this could help justify policy and coverage gains.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The poll is only the latest evidence of the race's competitiveness, which has drawn national attention due to the candidates' high spending and the race's potential to illustrate where voters are leaning a year ahead of the consequential 2026 midterm elections.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
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The new menu items will be served in limited-edition packaging that’s illustrated with gingerbread-style Munchkins, which are storybook-style characters of Dunkin' Munchkin donut holes, but are wearing seasonal outfits.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This propensity for mental acrobatics, alongside his immense arrogance, was how Epstein rationalized his crimes to himself.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
25 Oct. 2025
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Even if annual fees on premium credit cards continue to balloon and airlines continue to raise the threshold for elite status, both industries are wagering that travelers will rationalize those costs if the lounge experience is exclusive enough.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The 2028 Olympics Earlier this year, Archer Aviation became the exclusive air taxi partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a move Goldstein hopes will demonstrate Midnight’s capabilities on a global stage.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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While potentially an intimidating shoe to some consumers, Hosk demonstrated how the statement boots can be styled.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a new draft guidance, the FDA proposed major updates to simplify biosimilar studies.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
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By simplifying the on-site construction activities, customers can get their facilities operational faster than with some traditional construction projects.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Potential adversaries interpret political action in zero-sum terms; see malice and evil design in mere blunders and coincidence; trumpet necessity rather than navigate choice; and, in extreme cases, invent pretext or promise profit to make more palatable a dubious cause.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
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Clothes that defy convention — of gender, of context, even of gravity — interpreting sculptural and oversized forms.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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