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

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Recent Examples of explains There are a lot of caveats that education reporter Martha Dalton explains neatly for us. — Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 22 July 2026 All of that perhaps explains why Rodgers, who grew up in an evangelical Christian environment, may have rejected his family for a time. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 The spread explains why a national average tells a local utility little about the capacity a specific project will require. — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The clever part is the phase-control system, which CorPower calls WaveSpring, and which explains the heart comparison. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026 After decades of traveling across Spain, one expert explains why Asturias stands out for its authenticity, protected landscapes, and exceptional local cuisine. — Nigel Hack, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026 While sharing her Beauty Secrets with Vogue, the 20-year-old explains that the bittersweet ballad was inspired by a Japanese phrase that means, essentially, everything beautiful is temporary. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 July 2026 The director also explains the meaning of the subtitle of her film, Saved by the Beauty of the World, derived from words spoken by the poet. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 July 2026 But as Katie Wu, a science writer at The Atlantic, explains, that's not the whole story. — Berly McCoy, NPR, 14 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

This illustrates, though that the Warriors seem boxed in with their current circumstances.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
That circuitous email chain between homeowners and city officials, including an assistant city attorney, illustrates how homeowners have been stonewalled, Lardon said.

— Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

This can only reliably be achieved through a disciplined approach to governance that enables organizations not only to think big about AI, but to operationalize it in a way that justifies their efforts and investments.

— Chris Dimitriadis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
All that cash keeps many of FIFA’s member federations running, and Infantino justifies his nonprofit’s relentless commercial pursuits on the basis that the proceeds go toward growing the game globally.

— Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026

Definition of justifies

Verb

Mars drives your 10th House of Career forward, while Saturn in your 8th House of Shared Resources clarifies obligations, approvals, and support.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
The bill also clarifies that only those powered by liquid fuel, such as gasoline, require a muffler.

— Madison Smalstig July 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 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

From Apps to an Agentic Operating System One of DroiClaw’s defining goals is to create an app-free, agentic OS that simplifies how people interact with their devices.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 July 2026
The European Commission adopted the Delegated Act, which updates and simplifies the list of products covered by the EUDR, while the Implementing Act outlines the information system for submitting due diligence statements and simplified declarations.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

Definition of simplifies

Verb

The sun pours through its many gaps, creating a constellation of light that illuminates the forest floor below.

— Liam Scott, Washington Post, 24 July 2026
The brief interjection, with Lestat out of focus in the background, illuminates why this Louis is here and not a Louis from a different time or his modern self.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026