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 As well as hearing the audio of the Princess, the three-part doc series explains how and when they were recorded, and the extraordinary lengths Diana went to in order to ensure her story could be heard. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 As Madison explains, picking her first post-Oscar gig definitely stressed her out, but her desire to grow her career and range (a la Cate Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert) helped push her to take on the project. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026 The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that laser resurfacing recovery varies by technique and treatment depth, and that sun protection remains important after healing. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 The Dove website explains that when the body breaks down food, the byproducts move through the circulatory system and exit via perspiration, where bacteria on the skin create odor. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 That design explains almost every service experience people hate. — Malte Kosub, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 El Niño can push the North Pacific storm track southward, bringing more storms into Southern California, Seager explains. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 That explains why two people eating the same garlic-heavy pasta can walk out of the restaurant smelling nothing alike. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Plus, the band addresses the conversation around backing tracks, explains how the business side of music has changed, and talks about the pressure surrounding their new record. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

Turkheimer said the apparent mistake illustrates how the complexities of statutes of limitations can undermine the fundamental premise of the justice system.

— Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
One transaction illustrates how the operation allegedly worked.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

The final version — which has Beutner’s approval — clarifies that small schools or small school districts can pool their money to share an arts teacher, provided that every school gets the additional arts instruction.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Haddad clarifies that vinyl itself doesn’t rust, which means that any visible rust on the siding is coming from something else.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 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

This exhibit demonstrates how more than 600 muscles fuel human movement.

— Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
As Applied Aerospace strips out IPO charges over the next two quarters, demonstrates its capital-light operating leverage, and starts collecting cash on its backlog, the valuation gap will likely compress.

— Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of demonstrates

Verb

That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
For an unguided experience, his company’s Rental and Ride package simplifies the logistics of a point-to-point river trip by coordinating the drop-off and downriver pickup.

— Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of simplifies

Verb

The Aries Full Moon illuminates your private 12th house, bringing an old emotion, habit, memory, or attachment closer to the surface.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Each such pattern illuminates a fragment of the absolute Galois group’s structure.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of illuminates

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“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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