Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interpret contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interpret are elucidate, explain, explicate, and expound. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

When can elucidate be used instead of interpret?

The meanings of elucidate and interpret largely overlap; however, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When would explain be a good substitute for interpret?

While the synonyms explain and interpret are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of interpret?

In some situations, the words explicate and interpret are roughly equivalent. However, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might expound be a better fit than interpret?

The words expound and interpret can be used in similar contexts, but expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

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 interpret Here’s how Charlotte and Raleigh-area hospitals stacked up in the new rankings, how the grades are calculated, and how the data should be interpreted. Evan Moore may 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2025 How well a theme is interpreted by attendees typically varies from year to year, just as widely as the themes themselves. Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC news, 5 May 2025 Over time, these small moments of silence and avoidance replace honest conversation, leaving both partners to interpret each other’s emotions and needs without asking directly. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 And finally, within my inner ear, another membrane vibrates in response and sends signals to my brain, which interprets them as music. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
Verb
  • Gilroy also explains Cassian's nod to the Force Healer. Poor, poor, poor Dedra.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 14 May 2025
  • Chicago Tribune Please explain what PFAS are to me PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation’s air, water and soil.
    Michael Phillis, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • While physicians don’t have a definitive answer as to why heart failure typically causes cognitive decline, the following factors may play a role: Changes to the heart.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
  • The boombox can be connected to any analog audio source via a 3.5mm AUX input for playing music from a radio tuner, turntable or even a MiniDisc.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Mamet emphasizes the vernacular like a theatrical soothsayer while Zahler visualizes violence to clarify circumstance and character.
    Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025
  • Immigrant advocates have called on the Supreme Court to clarify how much notice migrants should receive before removal under the act and to review the legality of Trump's use of the law.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The group is getting ready to perform Broadway show tunes on May 31 at the Library’s Community Room.
    Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Like her older sisters Elle and Jane, Hansen has helped carry on a winning tradition at Cohasset as a hybrid athlete with the ability to perform just about anything on the field with success.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The collection illustrates the LVERS philosophy at the core of the Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme: the values and discernment that bind together its global community from Paris to Miami and everywhere in between, according to a press release by the house.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • The episode, which sent shock waves through the global economy, illustrated a broader pattern in which the president has rushed to implement unconventional or extreme policies also outlined in Project 2025.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Natalie Portman will portray Franklin in a screen version of Photograph 51 directed by Tom Hooper.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 19 May 2025
  • For voice actors who previously portrayed Darth Vader in video games, the Fortnite feature starkly illustrates how AI voice synthesis could reshape their profession.
    Ashley Belanger – May 19, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The ability for adversaries to store histories of events that never actually occurred directly into an LLM’s memory database was demonstrated last year.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
  • But academic research has consistently demonstrated that stadiums are poor drivers of economic growth, and an analysis published earlier this year found that stadium projects spur little growth in local construction industries.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently in production and slated for a 2026 release, the action thriller depicts a biotechnology conference that descends into chaos when a rapidly mutating virus transforms the infected, forcing authorities to seal off the facility with survivors trapped inside.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2025
  • The prosecution showed Cassie a still from a video that depicted Combs beating her at a hotel.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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