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 Trumka expounded on the firings in an interview Friday with CBS News. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 9 May 2025 President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo brought up Russia's history of breaking peace agreements and expounded on how NATO and USAID has helped her country. Huo Jingnan, NPR, 17 Apr. 2025 Hendrickson, who is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, expounded more about his faith in the post-match media availability with reporters. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025 The Captain America star further expounded on his relationship with his sons, such as his belief in the importance of instilling positive values and manners as their father. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • On a broader scale, legislators have expressed frustration for years about high prices — whether for a new college graduate seeking an affordable apartment or for a young family trying to afford a pricier suburb with good schools like West Hartford or Glastonbury.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
  • Ambassadors from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait on Saturday met with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to express concerns about the consequences of a U.S. attack.
    Colin Meyn, The Hill, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Middle East crisis — explained Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., wants the U.S. to remain on the sidelines of Israel's war with Iran.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 19 June 2025
  • Most materials that are used to build homes in the U.S. are imported, Perotti explained.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Nationwide retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have voiced alarm about potential price hikes as a result of the levies.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • When Ferrari first revealed its EV plans, many outspoken fans voiced their disapproval, as was to be expected.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The company clarified that prices for parties of five or more will have an additional upcharge.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • Earlier this week, Al Hilal’s CEO Esteve Calzada clarified that Inzaghi had not signed before Inter played Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Jaws has been giving us all of them, attached to a vehicle with a perfect engine, for 50 years and counting.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • That arc gave us both such emotional depth to play with.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Anyway, this serves to illustrate how, at the helm, Murati had to address Musk’s input.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • An anecdote illustrates this trend: a freelance graphic designer once lost hours to a phishing link masquerading as a payment request.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The rift between Carlson and Cruz demonstrates that even among President Trump’s biggest supporters, there’s been considerable debate about how the U.S. should deal with the powder keg situation that escalated Friday when Israel launched airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear and military facilities.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • What’s happening Medieval Fair for all ages: The Society for Creative Anachronism will be demonstrating different arts, craftsmanship, fighting styles, and more from the Middle Ages.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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