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

Whether 1 in 20 white adults is a high or low number is a matter of interpretation. — James Bisbee, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026

The networks have employed officiating experts to walk viewers through confusing rule interpretations for years. — Mike Sando, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Akhtar has written a book obsessed with interpretation, populated by professors, students, doctors, lawyers, and writers committed by profession to meaning-making. — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

The health system said reporting the finding added minimal time to radiologists’ mammogram interpretation. — Ava Tsapatsaris, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2026