EXPLAINS Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

explains

verb

present tense third-person singular of explain

as in illustrates

to make plain or understandable a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in justifies

to give the reason for or cause of can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?

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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 explains That explains how, in a system in which all politicians purport to follow their conscience, nearly every consequential issue is decided by a straight party vote. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026 Retailers want to see that brands are generating sales, Nafousi explains, yet driving those conversions can require more spending on marketing and in-store visibility. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 Hundreds of staff work across the hotel during the summer season, which perhaps explains the extraordinary level of attention. — Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026 Chicago Board of Elections Chairwoman Marisel Hernandez explains some of the violations the monitors are looking for, including access for people with disabilities and language access. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Correa, speaking to Cosmopolitan, explains that cooler undertones can work with rosy nudes while warmer undertones are often complemented by shades with golden warmth. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026 Columnist Michael Hiltzik explains why Microsoft’s AI boss says that’s the wrong question. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026 How to Spot a House Centipede House centipedes (top photo) are usually yellowish-gray with three dark stripes down their backs, Hodges explains. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 2 Nov. 2026 Back in 1977, Richardson explains, Letterman spotted his friend, comedian Gary Mule Deer, in a scene in Annie Hall. — Alex Zalben, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

Listen displays album artwork and playback information, while Climate illustrates cabin airflow and seat temperature.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
The record illustrates how artists can combine music, video content, and direct engagement with listeners.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

Human Rights Watch did not seek to establish membership, noting that neither gang affiliation nor a criminal record justifies excessive force or an extrajudicial killing.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Building a new jail, the suit claims, doesn’t meet the legal test that justifies extended after-hours work, which are allowed only on (among other things) projects that are in the interest of public health and safety.

— Curbed, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of justifies

Verb

The proposal clarifies that the city's contribution covers the actual costs of maintaining, operating, and managing the stadium.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
But the list clarifies that restrictions don’t apply to licensing, partnerships, and contract research services involving these technologies.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarifies

Verb

Patchett rationalizes Mary’s decision by establishing that Nutmeg was old.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
But since neo-Brandeisian thought rejects economics as a pseudo-science that rationalizes the desires of capital owners, that objection carries little weight.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

Definition of rationalizes

Verb

Doe’s case demonstrates just how complex Title IX cases are, even under the more protective policies afforded to accusers by past presidential administrations.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
For now, the work demonstrates a limited but automated connection between detecting an odor and recreating a corresponding scent elsewhere.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of demonstrates

Verb

Twelve South has announced a new version of its Airfly dongle that simplifies the pairing process when connecting wireless headphones to devices that don’t natively support Bluetooth.

— Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026
The serum simplifies your skincare routine without skimping on benefits.

— Vivien Lee, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of simplifies

Verb

During the Halloween season, Shawn and Ryan Tofte’s house illuminates with a cool blue hue while jack-o’-lanterns provide a warm glow on the steps and yard.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Unlike a standard microscope, which illuminates an entire sample at once and can produce blurry images, a confocal microscope focuses on one depth level at a time.

— Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026