Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

interpret

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of interpret

1 to make plain or understandable

  • a biblical passage that scholars havenʼt been able to interpret to everyoneʼs satisfaction
Synonyms of interpret

clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, simplify, spell out, unriddle
Words Related to interpret

decipher, decode

analyze, break down

disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle

resolve, solve

define, specify

annotate, commentate, gloss
Near Antonyms of interpret

befog, cloud

confound, confuse, obfuscate
Antonyms of interpret

obscure

2 to present a portrayal or performance of

  • interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way
Synonyms of interpret

act, do, impersonate, perform, play, portray
Words Related to interpret

depict, dramatize, render, represent

act out, enact, pantomime, playact, role-play, take on

overact, overplay, underplay

ape, clown, ham, imitate, masquerade, mime, mimic, pose (as)

star (in)

coact, costar

Synonym Discussion of interpret

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable. explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.
    • explain the rules
expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.
    • expounding a scientific theory
explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.
    • explicate a poem
elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.
    • elucidate an obscure passage
interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.
    • interpreting a work of art

Learn More about interpret

  1. Dictionary: Definition of interpret Spanish Central: Translation of interpret Nglish: Translation of interpret for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of interpret for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up interpret? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games