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 Mike Jones of The Athletic explains why the lack of top-tier quarterback prospects beyond Fernando Mendoza limits the intrigue typically expected of NFL drafts. —

Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 Each mural is accompanied by a link to the project’s website, which explains its mission and provides background on and pictures of each plant species featured in the murals. —

Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Massive government support explains a big part of their success. —

Jamie Lincoln Kitman, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026 That fact also explains the name of the new steakhouse from the hospitality company Grupo Orfano, which is opening the restaurant on the ground level of the Mayfair plaza in the Grove on May 4 with a cocktail program created by one of the best bars in the world. —

Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 In response to a request for comment, the attorney general’s office pointed the Washington Examiner to an op-ed, published by Ellison after the tape was leaked in 2025, that explains his version of events. —

Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026 One final metric that explains the nature of Bromley’s style is their passing sequences. —

Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Knight explains that, over the last 20 years, the beach has typically seen 80 to 115 nests (with 100 to 120 eggs in each nest). —

Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 The color of an olive indicates its ripeness at harvest, explains Cleveland. —

Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

The film not only records this injustice but also illustrates the possibility of friendship across divides, delivering a poignant exploration of the occupation.

— Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
But as Mackintosh persuasively illustrates, the familiar emotions of jealousy, infatuation and eventually indifference — these persist and can flourish in any relationship, however free of prohibition.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026