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 That’s because investors often interpret diversity crises as signs of systemic failure, rather than isolated mistakes. Prachi Gala, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025 Those early experiences taught him how to interpret technical specifications, identify problems from brief descriptions, and prioritize reliable service to keep projects on track. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025 Some members interpreted this to be an intimidation tactic, according to Okińczyc-Cruz. Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025 As the director intended, the film is filled with moments that audiences are sure to interpret differently. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
Verb
  • Since proper vesicle recycling is crucial for brain communication, this mechanism could explain why patients experience diverse symptoms – from movement problems to memory loss – depending on which brain regions are affected first.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Speaking on The Allison Hagendorf Show, Perry, the lead singer, explained just how the stars aligned for 4 Non Blondes to take the stage together once again.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Besides Adebayo, Miami’s only other available center was two-way contract player Vlad Goldin, who arrived from a G-League assignment but did not play.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The three titles that were won with fewer than 90 points were wrapped up with at least three games still to play, which led to an easing off in the final weeks.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Republican leadership faces mounting pressure to address internal divisions, clarify the GOP's platform and offer policy alternatives for key issues like health care, the cost of living and economic insecurity.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Regular honey is processed by filtration and heating, which removes or inactivates many of the beneficial compounds in honey, but clarifies it and prolongs its shelf life.
    Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Hours after Dundee’s Professor Iris Grunwald performed the world’s first remote thrombectomy on a human cadaver, another milestone followed.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Game and network services have performed well in recent quarters thanks to a shift to digital game purchases and the PlayStation Plus subscription service.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Emailing or texting similar job postings can help to illustrate what an IT pro is looking for.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The exchange illustrated that tensions remain high in Congress as the government shutdown continues into its 37th day.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • At first glance, Grace resembles the type of mothers who have become a dominant cinematic presence in recent years—women portrayed as troubled about being a caregiver.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • There’s no way to trick him into portraying the right levels of fear and anxiety and sadness.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the work demonstrates that the coatings are functional, robust, and suited to long-term outdoor deployment.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The money both clubs have spent brings a demand and an expectation for trophy successes, but, as Liverpool demonstrated last season, there is a strength to be drawn from stability.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The heritage brand unveiled the Lee x Mighty Jaxx collection, an assortment of tees, shorts and a 9-inch figurine that depict Buddy Lee in Freeny’s signature XXRay aesthetic.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The video depicts a surreal world where a young man begins seeing the colorful patterns and iconography, like Swedish fish and other candies, that dedicated Candy Crush players will no doubt recognize.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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