1
as in clarifying
to make plain or understandable
a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifying
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 explaining
Alsace spent centuries moving between French and German rule — explaining why this indisputably French cake so closely resembles similar treats from across the Germanic world.
—
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
In explaining his vote to deny the batch plant, Flores cited its proximity to homes and Esperanza Elementary School.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
The bear was approximately 17 months old, and in the 70-pound range, Collins said, explaining the severity of the situation.
—Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
According to several people familiar with the call, Glimcher spent much of the meeting explaining why Pace had reached this point.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026
Much like the ending of his film, Scholey left the audience on a hopeful note, explaining that ocean conservation is the kind of goal that should unite all of humanity.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
Depositions of firefighters and other officials explaining their efforts during the Lachman were deemed inadmissible during trial by Judge Anne Hwang in May.
—Nathaniel Percy, Daily News, 8 June 2026
Yarger conducted a roundtable discussion and workshop on affordable housing on May 27 at the Patricia Jones Center in Waukegan, explaining the meaning of affordable housing and how to advocate for more available units.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Pickard says many of the conditions associated with Down syndrome can vary, explaining that some hearing conditions can be improved with tubes, vision issues can be treated with glasses and the survival rate for the most common heart defect is 97 percent.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
In explaining his vote to deny the batch plant, Flores cited its proximity to homes and Esperanza Elementary School.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
The bear was approximately 17 months old, and in the 70-pound range, Collins said, explaining the severity of the situation.
—Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
According to several people familiar with the call, Glimcher spent much of the meeting explaining why Pace had reached this point.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026
Much like the ending of his film, Scholey left the audience on a hopeful note, explaining that ocean conservation is the kind of goal that should unite all of humanity.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
Depositions of firefighters and other officials explaining their efforts during the Lachman were deemed inadmissible during trial by Judge Anne Hwang in May.
—Nathaniel Percy, Daily News, 8 June 2026
Yarger conducted a roundtable discussion and workshop on affordable housing on May 27 at the Patricia Jones Center in Waukegan, explaining the meaning of affordable housing and how to advocate for more available units.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Pickard says many of the conditions associated with Down syndrome can vary, explaining that some hearing conditions can be improved with tubes, vision issues can be treated with glasses and the survival rate for the most common heart defect is 97 percent.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explaining
Verb
-
Also within 60 days, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must consider clarifying that potential deportation or loss of wages may be relevant factors when evaluating a borrower’s ability to repay.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Perez, however, has avoided clarifying the situation in public appearances in recent weeks.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The second prototype was a wearable bracelet that changed color by circulating fluid through adaptive materials, illustrating how the technology could be used in smart clothing or responsive displays that alter their appearance on demand.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 June 2026
-
Melliti’s performance is one of silent suffering, illustrating Fatima’s deference to her family.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Instead of obsessively over-rationalizing or avoiding, try making friends with that feeling.—
Goth Shakira
Contributing,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Reenvisioning platforms is about rationalizing the toolset to optimize investments and realize measurable business value.—
Ashwin Gaidhani,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
After receiving a firing order, the vehicles maneuvered into position and launched their rockets with bright flashes within three minutes, demonstrating their mobility.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
Those films revolutionized the way that Hollywood does business — demonstrating that movies could sell T-shirts and toys as well as tickets.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
But a retirement album this is not, and not just because Latto walked back her assertion in her interview with Nadeska, attributing the impulse to a depressive low in the new-album-and-new-motherhood process.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Pitchfork,
4 June 2026
-
No definitive cause was reported, though the Tribune ran one story attributing the explosion to a static spark lighting the highly flammable hydrogen gas.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
O’Neill push the narrative that BP’s downsizing and simplifying efforts won’t slow down in the absence of Manifold, who was previously brought on to help enact internal changes.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
-
The design would also involve just one large mezzanine level, simplifying navigation in a station that has become renowned as a labyrinth.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Writing a memoir is a little like opening yourself up to people interpreting your words in a number of different ways.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
4 June 2026
-
Whether re-interpreting traditional stories and designs or expressing contemporary issues affecting tribal societies, Native glass artists have created a content-laden body of work.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explaining. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
