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 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 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for explicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate
Verb
  • About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Trump further explained his stance during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, which aired on Tuesday night.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Immigrant advocates have called on the Supreme Court to clarify how much notice migrants should receive before removal under the act and to review the legality of Trump's use of the law.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Mamet emphasizes the vernacular like a theatrical soothsayer while Zahler visualizes violence to clarify circumstance and character.
    Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Lepper says those unusual raw materials include conch shells from the Gulf Coast, copper from southern Canada and obsidian from Obsidian Cliff in Yellowstone Park, illustrating the extent of the Hopewell culture’s influence.
    Kevin Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025
  • The collection illustrates the LVERS philosophy at the core of the Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme: the values and discernment that bind together its global community from Paris to Miami and everywhere in between, according to a press release by the house.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Portraying her campaign as orchestrated by anyone other than her does a disservice to voters and diminishes the leadership she’s demonstrated.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • But academic research has consistently demonstrated that stadiums are poor drivers of economic growth, and an analysis published earlier this year found that stadium projects spur little growth in local construction industries.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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