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 Iran’s leaders may interpret any additional comments like Cruz’s as nothing more than bluster, and America’s overall discussion about regime change has so far been restrained. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025 Then it will be disassembled in preparation for being reassembled elsewhere, most likely at a park where the bridge’s history can be interpreted for visitors. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 Some legal experts interpreted that as a signal that the administration would not enforce EMTALA. Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 That concept of reframing the story has been at the center of Shawn’s work, which focuses on how to train the brain to interpret challenges as temporary, local, and controllable. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
Verb
  • Lee explains his perspective, as a sportswriter and as a fan, that teams and leagues are taking advantage of supporters.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 June 2025
  • Most materials that are used to build homes in the U.S. are imported, Perotti explained.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Checking these crooked politicians who ain’t playing fair/ Shut up!
    Anna Chan, Billboard, 20 June 2025
  • A lot of times, young big guys don’t play quite hard enough.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this week, Al Hilal’s CEO Esteve Calzada clarified that Inzaghi had not signed before Inter played Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The company clarified that prices for parties of five or more will have an additional upcharge.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The English singer is also set to perform at the festival Saturday evening.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
  • Most American metropolises perform well in the report’s measure of disposable income, particularly San Francisco (No. 3), Boston (No. 7), and Chicago (No. 8).
    Greg McKenna, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Anyway, this serves to illustrate how, at the helm, Murati had to address Musk’s input.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • An anecdote illustrates this trend: a freelance graphic designer once lost hours to a phishing link masquerading as a payment request.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The feds’ case portrayed the mogul as a ruthless and micromanaging boss who, during the two decades before his September 2024 arrest, abused his larger-than-life status in the industry to control his employees and lovers alike through violence and intimidation.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
  • The company aimed to portray someone overcoming obstacles to achieve their dream.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Your contrarian takes demonstrate independent thinking that can't be faked or prompted into existence.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • What’s happening Medieval Fair for all ages: The Society for Creative Anachronism will be demonstrating different arts, craftsmanship, fighting styles, and more from the Middle Ages.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Named in homage to Van Gogh’s Chair, an 1888 painting by the Dutch master depicting a simple chair, Bolla’s work is hollow, its parts secured to one another with foil.
    News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2025
  • Some scenes unfold like boxing rounds, with Carroll's commentary bringing the script to life, depicting lawyers landing jabs and witnesses ducking and countering.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on interpret

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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