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 Trade deficit worriers overlook the fundamental truth expounded by Adam Smith: Each participant in a transaction gets something. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 27 May 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 Of course, that also means that Garland emerges as the film’s true star — naturally, right? — and even when McHale’s other talking heads are expounding on their lives and careers through the lens of Dorothy, McHale often illustrates their points with clips from other Garland films. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025 The Brand Anthropologist seems like someone who really buys into and expounds on the power of advertising. Hazlitt, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • Dozens of countries have signed on to a pledge to triple nuclear power capacity worldwide by 2050, part of worldwide efforts to deploy clean power at scale, and several African countries have expressed serious interest in building out their nuclear portfolios, Bilbao y León said.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Consumer behavior advocates expressed concern that that many retirement savers may not have the expertise to manage these investments effectively.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In an Instagram post featuring photos of her, her husband Steven Oleksy, and their twins Oliver and Molly, Brooke explained her reasoning for missing the funeral.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The grandmother explained that the family had called first responders after her daughter had taken the her granddaughter’s phone away, and the child became emotionally upset.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Details on the feature's plot haven't been are still under wraps, but it can be safely assumed that Kaluuya will reprise his role as Hobie, who quickly became a favorite among fans after his debut as the unexpected mentor of Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) in Across the Spider-Verse.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • This new season centers around Hank Hill (voiced by show creator Mike Judge) and his wife Peggy (Kathy Najimy) returning home to the fictional DFW-area suburb of Arlen after a stint working in Saudi Arabia selling propane and gas.
    Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this year, Nipsey Hussle’s brother, Blacc Sam, revealed that his first posthumous album is set to be released this year, and clarified that only certain music from the slain artist would ever see the light of day.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The researchers did not clarify whether breaking down brain glycogen could stop human brain cells from dying, Okun noted.
    Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Once done, the camera panned over to Kris, who gave a sassy smile before joining her girls.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The recall was given a Class II risk warning on August 1.12 NuNaturals Inc recalled 78 bottles of its Organic Pure Stevia and 78 bottles of its Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener.
    Amber Brenza, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This phase of the series illustrates the intricate psychological tactics used in espionage, where family bonds and loyalty become tools for manipulation and control.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Once again, the play-off win against Coventry illustrates how Sunderland will need to work hard and maintain pressure in their defensive shape against higher-quality opposition.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • While each vacuum offers its own set of features, all of our top picks demonstrated one critical strength: dependable, consistent performance that significantly improved the cleaning experience.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Annually, Wheeler has to demonstrate his manic-zaniness by jumping out the window of a local business.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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