EXPLAINING Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

explaining

verb

present participle of explain

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explaining

Verb

Meanwhile, on June 11, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement clarifying that Mexican authorities had not contacted them about the tip or the search efforts.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 12 June 2026
The former couple issued a joint statement to Us Weekly, clarifying that the clip is not representative of their five-year relationship.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 11 June 2026