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
  • In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Responding to one analyst who believed the closing of the Versace deal was complete, Guerra clarified that the transaction is not closed.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The report does not clarify if this will lead to widespread layoffs.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His goal to seal the win against Italy — a lung-busting run and cultured finish in the dying moments — helped to illustrate the impressive engine at the heart of Cremaschi’s game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Those statements, which emphasized the teams’ conversations with officials in both states, illustrated that locations in Missouri and Kansas were still in the mix months after both states approved sweeping incentives packages to secure them.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 2028 Olympics Earlier this year, Archer Aviation became the exclusive air taxi partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a move Goldstein hopes will demonstrate Midnight’s capabilities on a global stage.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While potentially an intimidating shoe to some consumers, Hosk demonstrated how the statement boots can be styled.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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