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 This makes human interpretation, connection and strategic thinking more economically valuable. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Those aren’t just my words but the obvious interpretation of his words Saturday. Sam McDowell 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 The limit was established by Congress and critics argue it cannot be removed by the agency alone — though Carr disputes that interpretation. Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 According to Genett, the proper interpretation of a work can’t ignore this seemingly incidental material, which is crucial to a book as a book. Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
  • Luigi Mangione is due in federal court today after both parties hastily called for an appearance earlier this week without any clear explanation.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The same explanation has been offered as to why Riyadh Air, or another PIF company, does not just pour money into Newcastle through sponsorship deals.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For an at-home version, mix 20 drops of peppermint essential oil and8 ounces of water.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There is also a choice between a standard round bowl and an elongated version.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The physical device also needed to be custom fit because of natural variation in mouth shape and size, and the hardware needed to be thin and flexible, yet durable.
    Greg Uyeno, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Coming-of-age films with variations of these characters and dynamics come around pretty often; rather more unusual are those written and played with this degree of care and compassion.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • These covers were respectively created by graphic designer Ben Denzer, freelance artist Patrice Sheridan (after an illustration by Thomas Colligan), and Penguin Associate Art Director Amanda Dewey.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The mods think Reddit might have designated the website—and thus any post using its content for explanatory illustrations—as spam.
    Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • During a Wednesday appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, McConaughey joined the Virginia folk group for a loose, homespun rendition of Langley’s chart-topping hit.
    Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Viewers will hear the new rendition ahead of each new episode of the Netflix sequel series releasing September 24, or by watching an early preview above.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Midnight Boys eventually filled out its host chairs with Adeniran, a Marvel expert who got his start at The Ringer making social content, and Ahlman, the show’s producer, whose takes were too good to stay behind the scenes.
    Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The day before this one, Parekh filmed takes of fire leaping down the street, which include practical flames created by piping gas under the set.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • If the translation is wrong, investigators can compare the rule against the words behind it.
    Aashis Luitel, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Search engines, screen readers, copy/paste tools, and translation software can all get tripped up by the altered HTML, making the page a little less useful to your intended audience.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • London Brown’s performance as Marvin this season is phenomenal; the character development is astounding.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Gausman delivered a strong performance, tossing seven innings and limiting the Royals to two runs on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts on 96 pitches.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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