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?

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 explains Creatine is a natural compound that your body produces and uses for energy, Basbaum explains. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 7 July 2026 This long history of adaptation explains why our hands are both strong and highly precise, capable of handling everything from heavy lifting to delicate tasks. — Steven Lautzenheiser, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 North America leads the world in per capita wellness spending, which explains why the conversation has taken off with American readers specifically. — Allison Palmer july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 McKinsey & Company explains that a company’s value is fundamentally tied to the future cash flows it is expected to generate. — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Practice deep abdominal breathing A large portion of the lymphatic system is located in the abdomen, Leprieur explains, so deep abdominal breathing for five minutes a day can help pump lymph throughout your body. — Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 July 2026 Sprouse explains that Wade is a British television presenter who hosts shows about aquatic animals with names like Dark Waters, Mighty Rivers, and River Monsters. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 7 July 2026 That year, as Fredriksen explains, a flock of them took up residence in Palm Beach County’s Stormwater Treatment Area 2 (STA-2), some 80 miles north of their traditional grounds in the Keys and the southern edges of the Everglades. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 July 2026 The British Museum has an extensive catalogue of Ancient South Arabian artifacts; Ancient South Arabia, the museum explains, was centered around what is now modern day Yemen, but also included parts of southern Oman and Saudi Arabia. — News Desk, Artforum, 7 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

James Wilson, a prominent attorney, best illustrates that evolution.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act clarifies that states can establish their own procedures for counting ballots.

— Jamie Rowen, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

Definition of clarifies

Verb

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
But as another voter rationalizes, the sheer size of the ballot will do more harm than good in the long run.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

Definition of rationalizes

Verb

Consider if the side gig adds unique skills, demonstrates entrepreneurship, or could be perceived as a distraction or conflict of interest.

— Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
The advocacy group Stand Up for Science has posted advice on writing comments, along with an extremely lengthy and detailed submission that demonstrates just how comprehensive a comment can be.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026

Definition of demonstrates

Verb

That approach simplifies the balance of plant, reduces supporting equipment and lowers the overall installation footprint.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
The integrated panel cables are unusually generous in length and store neatly in zippered pouches, which simplifies deployment considerably compared with many competing folding-panel designs.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026

Definition of simplifies

Verb

Each fixture is topped with a discreet solar panel that charges throughout the day and automatically illuminates at night, so there's no wiring required.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
The tournament also illuminates America's growing, yet often unacknowledged, passion for soccer, allowing fans to openly embrace the sport.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026