1
as in illustrates
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 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
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Recent Examples of explains
Which explains everything and nothing.
—
Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
One explains why inflation exists, while the other tells you what to do when your rent goes up.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
As Better Homes & Gardens explains, spinach is a cool-season crop that can be grown for spring or fall harvest.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
For an overview of small business tax responsibilities, see IRS Publication 583, which explains general filing and recordkeeping requirements.
—Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Patricia explains the process and reminds the woman that drinking coffee before the screening can affect the results.
—Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
That lack of conviction and intensity, more than anything else, explains why Tottenham were so poor under Frank.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Mangroves are also stressed by pollution and rising sea levels, Bhargava Gajre explains.
—Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
No single development explains the trend.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
One explains why inflation exists, while the other tells you what to do when your rent goes up.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
As Better Homes & Gardens explains, spinach is a cool-season crop that can be grown for spring or fall harvest.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
For an overview of small business tax responsibilities, see IRS Publication 583, which explains general filing and recordkeeping requirements.
—Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Patricia explains the process and reminds the woman that drinking coffee before the screening can affect the results.
—Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
That lack of conviction and intensity, more than anything else, explains why Tottenham were so poor under Frank.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Mangroves are also stressed by pollution and rising sea levels, Bhargava Gajre explains.
—Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
No single development explains the trend.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
-
Through a blend of archival recordings and contemporary interviews, the series illustrates how the church became a sanctuary for its community, honoring both their faith and queerness while fostering joy and connection during a time of profound grief.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The film illustrates how her powerful images not only document the human cost of conflict but also drive social change, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of journalism and highlighting the universal struggle between ambition and familial obligations.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What is, in most cases, an individual choice made by adults does not, by itself, constitute a clinical problem that justifies federal correction.—
Cláudia Nunes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The realist view is that NASA wants to fly a nuclear reactor as soon as possible, and the Mars launch window justifies the aggressive development schedule (and commensurate funding) to appropriators.—
David W. Brown,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When asked if he is divorced, Marsden's character clarifies he is widowed.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Lawmakers must pass legislation that clarifies that ostomy supplies are not appropriate for inclusion in competitive bidding programs and should be treated as patient-specific systems, not interchangeable goods.—
Diego Schaps,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
True crime, as a genre, rationalizes its exploitations—people’s tragedies and traumas, recast for popular consumption—by couching the sensationalism in considerations of justice.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Kia’s killing, and those of countless Iranian scientists in all parts of the country, demonstrates the lengths to which Israel and the United States are willing to go to ensure that Tehran’s ability to weaponize its nuclear program is significantly curtailed after the war ends.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
-
When targeted effectively, however, WOTC demonstrates strong potential.—
Brooke Creek,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sanyuan Aerospace highlighted that the cable drive places drive control components inside the satellite body, which simplifies thermal control and radiation protection and reduces research and development costs.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Hranchuk, the consumer behavior expert and a professor at Brock University in Ontario, said the menu refresh can work if Panera simplifies its ordering process, delivers quality food and creates a consistent experience.—
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Her account illuminates the role of royal women as advisers, managers of court affairs, and participants in diplomatic life—a dimension of Mughal history largely absent from accounts penned by male authors.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Ahmed’s electrifying performance illuminates the text, carefully honed by Lesslie.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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