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 The Prometheus story as interpreted in this alt-right, tech bro fantasy isn’t the only reading of the myth, of course. James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025 About the Technology The new AI engine is designed to automatically interprets goals, constraints, and deliverables to generate structured project plans — complete with milestones, dependencies, and timelines. Maria Williams, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 By inviting children to deliberate, argue, and choose winners, SIFF is essentially teaching media literacy as a creative discipline, cultivating audiences who interpret film critically, not passively. Essie Assibu, Variety, 21 Oct. 2025 Watters asked, which some interpreted as being in jest and others took as misogynistic. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
Verb
  • In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • During his free agency ahead of the 2024 season, Ohtani visited Toronto as one of his finalists but ultimately chose to stay in Southern California and play for the Dodgers.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Despite playing before halftime, Scheierman and Walsh were not put back on the court again until the final seconds.
    Jay King, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Responding to one analyst who believed the closing of the Versace deal was complete, Guerra clarified that the transaction is not closed.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The report does not clarify if this will lead to widespread layoffs.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • During the formative phase of the infant American republic, when its survival was still problematic, iconic founders performed a valuable function as reliable sources of unquestioned wisdom, a veritable gallery of Delphic oracles available on demand.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Kevin previously performed the song solo for the first time at the band's Boston date in August.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His goal to seal the win against Italy — a lung-busting run and cultured finish in the dying moments — helped to illustrate the impressive engine at the heart of Cremaschi’s game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Those statements, which emphasized the teams’ conversations with officials in both states, illustrated that locations in Missouri and Kansas were still in the mix months after both states approved sweeping incentives packages to secure them.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Pennywise has now been portrayed in a miniseries, two films, and now series, but only by two actors.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Prettejohn portrayed a young Princess Elizabeth in the sixth season of Netflix’s The Crown and will next be seen in the musical drama The Testament of Ann Lee from The Brutalist scribe Mona Fastvold, which premiered in Venice ahead of a Christmas Day release.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 2028 Olympics Earlier this year, Archer Aviation became the exclusive air taxi partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a move Goldstein hopes will demonstrate Midnight’s capabilities on a global stage.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While potentially an intimidating shoe to some consumers, Hosk demonstrated how the statement boots can be styled.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Xander highlights one of the most fascinating intricacies of Florida culture and depicts how environmentalism, adventure and eccentric personalities all combine to do good for the state’s wildlife population.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The intention at least seems to be to depict a woman with breasts engorged with breastmilk.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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