Definition of interpretnext

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 According to Reuters, the United States and European Union raised concerns that the resolution could be interpreted as creating a hierarchy among crimes against humanity by treating some atrocities as more serious than others. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026 Sina Azodi, director of George Washington University’s Middle East studies program, noted Israel’s attacks on Lebanon are an issue for Iran while the US could possibly interpret Tehran claiming to close the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of the memorandum of understanding. Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 Yet interpreting those rules can be almost as challenging as trying to whack the ball toward the flagstick. Jared Perlo, NBC news, 21 June 2026 There was a time when endless hours, sleep deprivation, and visible exhaustion were interpreted as signs of ambition and commitment. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
Verb
  • Faith, hope drive Venezuelan community's response The day the earthquakes struck was a holiday in Venezuela, which may explain why many families were at home when the disaster occurred, while some children were visiting friends or relatives.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
    Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • In addition to clarifying one claim, NYT also agreed to voluntarily dismiss two claims of contributory copyright infringement and trademark dilution against all defendants.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026
  • Rich Bornstein, founder of Bornstein Media, helps leaders clarify their story before the camera turns on.
    Rich Bornstein, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Over the past three and a half decades, the group has performed across the country, including in Las Vegas and Detroit, while also making history closer to home.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • More than just a sporting event, live music capped the action on the first two nights, with Kaskade headlining Friday and DJs Mustard and Subtronics set to perform Saturday.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • During the preference sheet meeting, the major difference in Kayley and Genevieve’s attitudes is perfectly illustrated.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026
  • The scale of the fund, and the involvement of multiple international partners, illustrates Abu Dhabi’s ambition to use AI to help diversify its economy, and its credibility as an investor.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Matty Matheson, who portrays Neil Fak and serves as the show’s culinary consultant, initially believed taking props was off limits after receiving an email asking to refrain from removing anything from the show.
    Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
  • Winkler portrayed his iconic character for all 11 seasons of the ABC sitcom, which originally aired from 1974 to 1984.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • The resulting bio-char demonstrated a heating value of 29 MJ/kg, meaning that burning 1 kg of the fuel will provide 29 MJ of thermal energy.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The world drew heavily from the paintings of fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta, who depicted scenes of barbarians and beasts in conflict, of pulp fiction heroes, femme fatales, and fierce warrior women.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
  • Another star at a similar distance from Earth is Bellatrix, which shines at the left shoulder of the celestial hunter depicted in the constellation Orion.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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