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 The most extreme interpretations of this theory could allow the president to fire any federal employee at will, ignore civil-service protections, and eliminate the independence of the Federal Reserve. Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 In that sense, perfume bottles became visual interpretations of emotion. Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026 The film ends with their relationship status open to interpretation, having previously broken up in the movie. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026 Smoky, dusky interpretations of color are on the rise. Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
  • Slavery is an appropriate explanation for the Civil War; God’s will is not.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Armed men abducted former Malian minister Mountaga Tall from his home without explanation or arrest warrant, his family said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Between 1916 and 1918, all armies fighting in the war either fielded their own versions of the tank or relied on tanks provided by their allies.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
  • Since mom already has the candle version, gift her the matching reed diffuser to have her fave scent coursing through her space on a regular basis.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • The Mission-style burrito, with its monstrous circumference and segregated ingredients, strikes me as a variation best loved by the people who grew up loving it.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
  • The buckling may start in the middle, and minor variations in a given can’s shape and size might affect when the first ring emerges.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • His grandfather’s illustrations of Indian history and culture adorn India’s constitution; the iconic four-lion emblem that is the government’s official letterhead and is found on the cover of each Indian passport was designed by one of his students under his supervision.
    Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
  • The documentary features original music by Matt Cannon, original illustrations by Jacob Walsh, animations by Mike Nixon, motion graphics by Eastwood Allen, and was edited by Jay Espindola (Art Attack!
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Secure a repeat invitation by showing up to any potluck or cookout with this slow-cooker rendition of Buffalo Chicken Dip.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
  • Abercrombie & Fitch and Sperry have joined forces to create a fresh rendition of the classic boat shoe.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Across an ocean, basketball fans watching a clip of this encounter on their phones did a collective double-take.
    Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 2 May 2026
  • The plane became uncontrollable after take-off and crashed short of the runway on its return to the airport, according to the complaints.
    Joe Marusak May 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • How family history plays a part in language and translation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The translation of the part of the caption written in Korean also indicated that there has been a lot of interest in the new store, along with demands to know exactly when the store would be opening.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Having been surpassed, as an athlete, by Alex Honnold, the new free soloist in the valley, Potter, then in his early forties, reimagined himself as a performance artist, of a kind.
    Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Since her time on the fashion movie set, Blunt — who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the first film — furthered her acting career in films like Edge of Tomorrow, The Girl on the Train, A Quiet Place, Mary Poppins Returns and Oppenheimer, which earned her an Oscar nomination.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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