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 Ohio Supreme Court, where Republicans hold a 6-1 majority, will interpret whether the map violates any of the anti-gerrymandering rules. Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 17 July 2025 Both girls' middle names of Elizabeth are interpreted as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. Janine Henni, People.com, 17 July 2025 The interview also reframes the list as a narrative project: one in which Black Midwestern life is not merely archived but curated, conjured, and interpreted. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025 Belly, for her part, didn’t see it the same way and interpreted Jeremiah’s actions as cheating. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
Verb
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Bullock, 60, and Kidman, 58, who played sisters Sally Owens and Gillian Owens in the original movie, are both returning.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 14 July 2025
  • No word on the role Koch is playing, and official plot details for the film are being kept under wraps, although it’s described as a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Based on this research, the company hypothesized about what the issues are that give people trouble with these terms and concepts, though many such searches also could be conducted to clarify details or derive more information.
    Russ Wiles, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Casas has emphasized that the new agreement is primarily about clarifying responsibilities, not about radically changing the department’s behavior.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Cauley is on her own tour, performing four shows a week in different cities across the U.S., and will be headlining at Zanie's Comedy Club on July 31.
    Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Chris Martin of Coldplay performs at Rogers Stadium on July 07, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Though Combs denied the allegation, the incident illustrates how some individuals may attempt to exert control over their current or former partners, even through intimidation or violence, to prevent them from forming new relationships.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • The artist continues to interrogate the interplay between image and text in culture today –– illustrating the persistent dominance of advertising, as well as the peculiarities of newer phenomena, such as memes.
    Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Cooper Koch, who portrayed the younger brother Lyle Menendez and previously received a Golden Globe nomination for his breakthrough performance, was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
  • When not painting biblical scenes and images of saints, these artists were portraying the rich and powerful.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Given to the forward who demonstrates throughout the season the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • These weren't amateur attempts at gaming the system — they were carefully crafted prompt injections that demonstrated deep understanding of how AI systems process text and respond to instructions.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the model ended up depicting World War II Nazis as Black.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
  • All that being said, Angel Reese or any Black man or woman should never be called or depicted as a Monkey.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 24 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!