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 Each of the songs explicates a place and time of an incident or an idea in the lives of the protagonists. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 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 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 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, 8 Sep. 2010 See All Example Sentences for explicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate
Verb
  • Reliever Luke Weaver melted down again, and then seemed lost trying to explain it postgame.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In the show, Gein strikes Henry with a piece of wood, then drags his body into the woods and stages a brush fire to explain Henry's death.
    JR Radcliffe, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Officials from Line by Lion Publications also took to Facebook to dispel the rumors and clarify that Gilbert is in good care.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Others echoed similar sentiments, demanding Parker clarify the meaning of her comment and apologize.
    Amanda McCoy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Shot on location surrounded by her horses, the campaign illustrates elevated pieces designed for today’s modern wardrobe, and shows Springsteen in her truest from.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
  • These statistics illustrate the trend of how Americans are starting to delay major milestones like getting married, adopting a pet, buying a house, and having children for a wide variety of reasons, namely owing to inflation and the cost of living.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By night, a small group of protesters – sometimes a dozen or fewer – have demonstrated outside the building.
    Conrad Wilson, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Western Hills demonstrated diversity in scoring by utilizing a variety of plays and players throughout the night to extend the lead.
    Elijah Flowers, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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