Synonyms of interpret

interpret

verb

in-ˈtər-prət 

1

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of

interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way

Synonyms & Similar Words

• play
• perform
• portray
• depict
• do
• represent
• act
• impersonate
• dramatize
• enact
• render
• act out
• mimic
• imitate
• take on
• pose (as)
• masquerade
• playact
• underplay
• role-play
• ape
• overplay
• ham
• pantomime
• star (in)
• overact
• mime
• coact
• clown
• costar

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

Recent Examples of interpret

Senior party members had publicly interpreted the Supreme Court order as meaning Khan would remain hospitalized at least for several weeks. — Reuters, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026

How an audience would interpret the moment was the furthest thing from Whiteduck-Lavoie’s mind that day on set. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

In some cases, added Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, a family physician based in Pennsylvania, a result may not be useful regardless of how accurately it’s interpreted. — Cathy Cassata, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026

The ambiguity isn't only in how businesses interpret the watermark. — Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026