as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the physicist did his best to explicate the wave theory of light for the audience of laymen
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Recent Examples of explicate
Haidt, who previously explicated many of his thoughts about Gen Z in the New York Times bestseller The Anxious Generation, used a powerful metaphor to explain the neurological consequences of this change: tree roots.
—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Steeped in modern Japanese history without explicating it, director Sang-il Lee’s feature is propelled by operatic intensity and visual poetry.
—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Oct. 2025
The initial version was published in The Columbia Journal of Law & The Arts, with 248 footnotes explicating both legal and operatic precedents.
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Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
11 July 2025
Idles’s songs explicate the social and moral turmoil that youthful protesters can’t put into words, but the band’s energetic live performances and enthusiastic crowds make sense of what otherwise look like ideological whims.
—
Armond White,
National Review,
7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explicate
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Steeped in modern Japanese history without explicating it, director Sang-il Lee’s feature is propelled by operatic intensity and visual poetry.
—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Oct. 2025
The initial version was published in The Columbia Journal of Law & The Arts, with 248 footnotes explicating both legal and operatic precedents.
—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
11 July 2025
Idles’s songs explicate the social and moral turmoil that youthful protesters can’t put into words, but the band’s energetic live performances and enthusiastic crowds make sense of what otherwise look like ideological whims.
—
Armond White,
National Review,
7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate
Verb
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Faith, hope drive Venezuelan community's response The day the earthquakes struck was a holiday in Venezuela, which may explain why many families were at home when the disaster occurred, while some children were visiting friends or relatives.
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Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
Verb
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In addition to clarifying one claim, NYT also agreed to voluntarily dismiss two claims of contributory copyright infringement and trademark dilution against all defendants.
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Rich Bornstein, founder of Bornstein Media, helps leaders clarify their story before the camera turns on.
Verb
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During the preference sheet meeting, the major difference in Kayley and Genevieve’s attitudes is perfectly illustrated.
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The scale of the fund, and the involvement of multiple international partners, illustrates Abu Dhabi’s ambition to use AI to help diversify its economy, and its credibility as an investor.
Verb
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The prototype was demonstrated publicly April 8.
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Ashton's journey from moving bins to cleaning them demonstrates that a complete roadmap isn't necessary; curiosity and taking the next step are crucial.
Cite this Entry
“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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