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 Rather, a lot of factors and interpretations go into assessing said risk. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026 And with a legacy as celebrated as Dolly’s, there was plenty of room for interpretation. — Simone Cook, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026 Fans poured over every word and every possible interpretation seemed to lead back to the same thing. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026 The medically frail interpretation required them to make additional changes, and the judge’s ruling will now force them to shift directions again. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
  • This information then results in some discomfort on both our parts, and the potential for a lot more explanation about my life than an acquaintance needs.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The lawsuit argues the change violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it was adopted without explanation and the First Amendment, which protects lawyers' ability to advise people of their legal rights and seek prospective clients.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Previous versions included the planet’s core, mantle, crust and stellar radiation but did not account for the surface and atmosphere.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Handle what truly needs you, and protect a smaller version of your original intention if necessary.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond being universally flattering and easy to maintain, there are many variations to choose from.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In one instance, a simple game of catch later evolved into variations that included multiple objects, timing rules, and even juggling.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In this photo illustration, the logo of company Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
  • If there’s a golden ratio for success in the fashion business, its illustration might resemble a tetrahedron.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • And, yes, this rendition represented a lyrical alteration by the Tonji that departed from the traditional wording of the French national anthem.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Nike has released countless premium renditions of its beloved Air Max 95 sneaker over its three decades-plus on the market, but few are as luxurious as the aptly named Air Max 95 Lux.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Williams joined Penny Taylor in 2007 for Phoenix as the only players in WNBA history to score 30 points or more in a winner-takes-all Finals game.
    — Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The numbers were flattered by roughly $20 million in sales attributed to earlier-than-expected wholesale shipments, including $15 million of Michael Kors sales and $5 million of Jimmy Choo’s take.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There are also exceptions for students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and English language learners who use their phone as a translation tool.
    — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Short translations and essays have appeared in Two Lines Journal, Berlin Quarterly, Los Angeles Review of Books, FENCE, and elsewhere.
    — Léo Keler, The Dial, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The results suggest that manufacturers could shorten a costly production stage without sacrificing the battery performance measured during testing.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In Sguros’ five years with the police department, his performance and behaviors on the job had been scrutinized repeatedly, personnel and internal department records obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel this week show.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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