Definition of interpretationnext
1
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

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

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 interpretation None of this historical background makes it into Kempf’s interpretation of the origins of the war. Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 9 June 2026 As a person ambles around a sculpture, perspectives multiply; interpretations are born and dissolved; shadows play on the surface and complicate the interpretive field, making hair look like spaghetti or a nostril look angry. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The Guidance Out of Darkness Act rights this wrong by requiring federal agencies to be transparent about interpretations of the law through publishing guidance in an easily accessible, online location. Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026 Your depth is still the engine, but perspective keeps it from closing around one interpretation. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
  • This Dutchman has yet to read a better explanation for what makes the nation of his birth tick.
    Leander Schaerlaeckens June 8, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Pasandideh said they were not given an explanation as to why some of the visas were not issued.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • There is no version of this where producers absorb tens of billions of dollars in new liability and don’t pass it on.
    Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • The delivery system for injectable versions of weight loss drugs is more complicated than for a pill.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • This copy number variation correlates directly with salivary amylase protein levels — more copies, more enzyme, more starch-digesting capacity.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • Pale Gray and Ivory Select a soft white and a soft gray with just a subtle visual variation for a low-contrast, high-style space.
    Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • But the model for the wrapper’s illustration, Elena Gernias, later sued the chocolate company unsuccessfully seeking financial compensation for the use of her image.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
  • Pastors normally take hours a week to examine the original language for their text, consult commentaries, develop illustrations and examples, and deliberate about practical applications.
    Christian B. Miller, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • But, as Wilson tells it, his rendition stood out so much to Jamaal Lesane, the Chief Operating Officer of MSG Sports, that he was immediately invited back.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
  • Below are digital renditions of their work, what inspires them and where to find them along the streetcar route.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • On top of that take, the film earned another $6 million Monday through Friday this week, bringing its weeklong total to almost $18 million.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • Heavy knitwear and coats get packed away in plastic until the fall, while slinky summer slip dresses and breezy linen take center stage.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Hamawy ultimately traveled with him for conference appearances and provided translation help.
    Philip Wang, Time, 3 June 2026
  • Instructions are lost in translation.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Sparks end a three-game losing streak with an 89-72 win over expansion Portland, delivering their stingiest defensive performance of the season.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • But the strength of his acidic, strong, difficult performance was too powerful for the Tonys to deny.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 8 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on interpretation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster