Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explicate are elucidate, explain, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might elucidate be a better fit than explicate?

The words elucidate and explicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When is it sensible to use explain instead of explicate?

Although the words explain and explicate have much in common, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

Where would expound be a reasonable alternative to explicate?

In some situations, the words expound and explicate are roughly equivalent. However, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of explicate?

Interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

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 explicate The Michael Mann Archives also provide a wealth of video content in the form of 18 documentaries that explicate Mann and his collaborators’ process from a wide array of perspectives including acting, production design, cinematography, and props. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 July 2024 Johnson began by explicating the threat posed by the emerging axis of anti-American great powers, rogue nations, and the stateless terrorists in orbit around them all. The Editors, National Review, 10 July 2024 As a result, its sequel, Inside Out 2, continues to explicate a little girl’s psyche as if our sense of morality and self-esteem had not been altered by politics, media, or science during the past ten years. Armond White, National Review, 14 June 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s past mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 31 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for explicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate
Verb
  • Chatbots are designed for tasks like answering questions or helping with services, explains Lokesh Shahani, MD, PhD, MPH, a psychiatrist with UTHealth Houston and chief medical officer at UTHealth Houston Behavioral Sciences Campus.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Here, Katie Bergstrom, a fitness trainer and yoga instructor, explains how to get started.
    Health Editorial Team, Health, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Board President Sallie Overbey clarified for the board that insurance premiums would also not be affected if the bees are returned to the roof.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Editor’s note, Aug. 16, 2025: This article has been updated to clarify a quote from CEO Keyvan Mohajer, who misspoke earlier. Introducing the 2025 Fortune Global 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in the world.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Once again, the play-off win against Coventry illustrates how Sunderland will need to work hard and maintain pressure in their defensive shape against higher-quality opposition.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Radiohead’s performance on charts all around the world throughout 2025 illustrates the power of virality in today’s music industry.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And that’s before Google’s new software is demonstrated next week.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The abundance of recent research into the gut-brain connection has demonstrated how important the link is between the two organs, and how their communication can affect mood and mental health.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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