Synonyms of interpretation

interpretation

noun

in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

1

as in explanation

a statement that makes something clear

that's one possible interpretation of that cryptic remark

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explanation
• illustration
• translation
• analysis
• definition
• construction
• exegesis
• reasoning
• clarification
• explication
• elucidation
• exposition
• illumination
• demonstration
• road map
• comment
• commentary
• meaning
• restatement
• paraphrase
• justification
• annotation
• decoding
• rationale
• gloss
• deciphering
• enactment
• enlightenment
• rationalization
• edification
• epexegesis
• warning
• caveat
• disentanglement
• unscrambling
• caution

2

as in version

a presentation of an artistic work (as a piece of music) from a particular point of view

a sensitive interpretation of a piece that is a touchstone for violinists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• version
• rendition
• performance
• reading
• adaptation
• account
• variation
• reworking

3

as in variation

a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)

a very Freudian interpretation of The Nutcracker

Synonyms & Similar Words

• variation
• version
• take
• translation
• riff
• adaptation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of interpretation

Some clamored that Wilson wasn’t allowing Nolan his own interpretation of the text. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026

But in comments to The Sacramento Bee, spokespeople for the two companies both said that regardless of how the new ESA interpretation runs out, their timber operations will not destroy marbled murrelet habitat. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

The current charge against Comey, in short, relies on a tendentious interpretation of an innocuous term combined with a disregard for the First Amendment in order to gin up charges against a man Trump has been targeting openly for nearly a decade. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

O'Dea did not dispute CNBC's interpretation or provide another explanation for the interest in Executive Branch. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 30 July 2026