Synonyms of expound

expound

verb

ik-ˈspau̇nd 

1

as in to express

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion)

a rambling interview in which the celebrated author expounds his views on an array of topics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• express
• voice
• give
• write
• state
• look
• announce
• say
• ventilate
• describe
• proclaim
• convey
• air
• put forth
• vent
• raise
• sound
• publish
• disseminate
• declare
• enunciate
• circulate
• advertise
• give air to
• offer
• submit
• broadcast
• write up
• communicate
• speak out
• speak up
• enounce
• put over
• put across
• chime in
• sound off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• restrict
• restrain
• stifle
• censor

2

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

at the start of the trial the judge expounded the legal difference between libel and slander to the jury

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explain
• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate
• interpret
• elucidate
• illuminate
• simplify
• explicate
• construe
• analyze
• clear (up)
• spell out
• demystify
• get across
• define
• resolve
• decipher
• unriddle
• specify
• solve
• decode
• unravel
• disentangle
• undo
• annotate
• untangle
• gloss
• break down
• unscramble
• commentate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• confuse
• cloud
• confound
• obfuscate
• befog

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

Recent Examples of expound

Combined with David Ricardo (1772-1823), another influential British economist who expounded on the benefits of free trade with his theory of comparative advantage, by the mid-19th century laissez-faire became the central tenet to what was then a burgeoning discipline: economics. — Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025

Maine high school athlete Cassidy Carlisle expounded on her message to Gov. Janet Mills as the state continued to thumb its nose as President Donald Trump and maintain its transgender-athlete policies in girls' and women’s sports. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025

However, Powell will have the chance to expound on where the Fed is heading from here. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025

In a filing late Monday, attorneys for the parties tweaked or expounded on several terms—but not the imposition of roster limits—while insisting Wilken should approve the settlement. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2025