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 To expound on Sanders’ post-touchdown celebration: Sanders caught the touchdown pass right in front of the defensive backs, including onlooking Mike Jackson, who missed his second consecutive practice Wednesday because of a toe injury but still watched practice from the sideline. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025 Other music luminaries, including Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Sting, Garth Brooks, Jackson Browne and Nas also pop in to expound on what has made Joel one of the preeminent musicians of the past 50 years. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 July 2025 In this chapter, the launch of a luxury concept store further expounds upon Nisha’s initial mission to honor and uplift African creativity–Zanzibar is also her home country. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 July 2025 One character, played by Kartar Paaji, has a role that is mostly explaining, expounding and underlining the central message. Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • The shooter expressed hate towards Christian people.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • For example, rather than simply making details more complex to express functionality, the approach was to repeat small functional units and reflect that repetition in the overall silhouette of the design.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At each camp, the team leaves behind a small but powerful item, a red card that explains what to do during encounters with immigration officials.
    David Rodriguez Muñoz, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The powers that be explained to me that in the audiobook, there would be no easy way to identify the bees’ chapters, which were designated with italics in the printed version, unless the narrator’s voice changed from female to male.
    Elizabeth Bass Parman, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Brendan McDermid | Reuters Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, a candidate to take over from Jerome Powell as chair in 2026, on Wednesday voiced his support for starting a rate-cutting cycle in two weeks and said the central bank has the flexibility to adjust that pace in the future.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The only high-profile Republican candidate who voiced skepticism about prioritizing redistricting was Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The last two years have been clarifying, and not only in unpleasant ways.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • However, the cruise line did not confirm the identity of the individuals and did not clarify what caused the distress.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to that, a membership gives you access to Prime Video, with unlimited streaming and original programming.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is tremendous demand to be part of NFL team ownership and, relative to other leagues, very few sales or transfers of ownership stakes give a buyer controlling interest in a team.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Budding influencers have been warned to look after their health, after researchers illustrated what the average influencer might look like come the year 2050.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • That could look like a tool or dashboard that illustrates where the AI is highly accurate or where human intervention might be needed.
    Marne Martin, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Watch Thelma on Hulu Kinds of Kindness Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this 2024 dark dramedy anthology is told across three loosely interwoven chapters, each exploring characters who take extraordinary measures to demonstrate their love to someone else.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Royals demonstrated patience and diligently worked favorable counts before landing the knockout blow.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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