Synonyms of interpret

interpret

verb

in-ˈtər-prət 

1

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explain
• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate
• simplify
• illuminate
• construe
• elucidate
• explicate
• analyze
• expound
• demystify
• spell out
• clear (up)
• get across
• define
• decipher
• resolve
• specify
• unriddle
• solve
• decode
• disentangle
• unravel
• untangle
• annotate
• undo
• unscramble
• break down
• gloss
• commentate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• confuse
• cloud
• confound
• obfuscate
• befog

2

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

• play
• perform
• portray
• depict
• do
• represent
• act
• impersonate
• dramatize
• enact
• render
• act out
• mimic
• imitate
• take on
• pose (as)
• masquerade
• playact
• underplay
• role-play
• ape
• overplay
• ham
• pantomime
• star (in)
• overact
• mime
• coact
• clown
• costar

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

Recent Examples of interpret

Codes that a human operator would interpret. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025

Augustine’s views would go on to influence Thomas Aquinas, who (along with Virgil) would influence Dante Alighieri, who would influence John Milton, who would influence how the English-speaking world has read and interpreted the Bible ever since. —Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025

The upbeat track about love after heartbreak is widely interpreted as a tribute to the music superstar's fiancé Travis Kelce, whose birthstone is an opal. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Those imperfections apply to the conflicts within Paul, masterfully interpreted by Keleher. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025