Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expound are elucidate, explain, explicate, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

When would elucidate be a good substitute for expound?

The words elucidate and expound 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

Where would explain be a reasonable alternative to expound?

While in some cases nearly identical to expound, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When might explicate be a better fit than expound?

The words explicate and expound can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

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

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 expound The Washington Examiner attended a press conference held by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Chia-lung Lin on Thursday, where the head diplomat expounded upon the lessons learned from observing the violence unfolding in Eastern Europe. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 More Getty Images Reid declined to expound upon his point. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 The supplemental essays are a critical opportunity for students to share their voice and expound on their candidacy. Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 In 1882, Junius Henri Browne, a writer for Harper’s Magazine, expounded on a highly relatable problem. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • Other Party bigwigs expressed disappointment, too, from the progressives Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to the milquetoast Democratic National Committee leader Ken Martin.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
  • But a source familiar with the matter said that Isaacman has expressed an intention to partner with whichever company most quickly produces an astronaut-worthy lunar lander.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Since proper vesicle recycling is crucial for brain communication, this mechanism could explain why patients experience diverse symptoms – from movement problems to memory loss – depending on which brain regions are affected first.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Speaking on The Allison Hagendorf Show, Perry, the lead singer, explained just how the stars aligned for 4 Non Blondes to take the stage together once again.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Airline industry leaders, unions and government officials have voiced concerns about the strain on vital employees like air traffic controllers, who are working without pay and increasingly unable to maintain regular shifts.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has often voiced his trust in Roseman.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Republican leadership faces mounting pressure to address internal divisions, clarify the GOP's platform and offer policy alternatives for key issues like health care, the cost of living and economic insecurity.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Regular honey is processed by filtration and heating, which removes or inactivates many of the beneficial compounds in honey, but clarifies it and prolongs its shelf life.
    Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Most analysts who spoke with said that the Senate will be a tougher feat for Democrats than the House, although there is still a lot up in the air, given ongoing and potentially upcoming redistricting plans and rules.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Soeren Stache | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Microsoft is giving employees a way to raise concerns about the uses of its technology after controversy emerged over the company's work in the Middle East.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Emailing or texting similar job postings can help to illustrate what an IT pro is looking for.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The exchange illustrated that tensions remain high in Congress as the government shutdown continues into its 37th day.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the work demonstrates that the coatings are functional, robust, and suited to long-term outdoor deployment.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The money both clubs have spent brings a demand and an expectation for trophy successes, but, as Liverpool demonstrated last season, there is a strength to be drawn from stability.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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