INTERPRETABLE Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

interpret

verb

in-ˈtər-prət

Definition of interpret next

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Those restrictions stem from the Flores Settlement, a 1997 legal agreement that a federal court has interpreted to mean that the government generally should not hold children in immigration custody for more than 20 days. —

Laura Romero, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 As Texas Attorney General, the office plays a critical role in interpreting and enforcing the Public Information Act (PIA), which ensures government transparency by allowing citizens to access public records. —

Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 Sensory experts design and interpret panels. —

Barbara Booth, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026 Many use cases are still being deployed or piloted, and the agency’s AI database is filled with jargon and platitudes that, in many instances, can be interpreted in multiple ways. —

Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpret

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret

Verb

The suit prompted the restaurant to update language on its bill to explain that the service fee was not the same as a gratuity.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
In general, the hospital has always instructed its providers not to make comments or notes about a patient’s immigration status on notes or other materials that can be accessed, the doctor explained.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026